Joe Stemme
CHASE A CROOKED SHADOW (1958). Pretty terrific mystery thriller with noir overtones starring Anne Baxter, Herbert Lom and Richard Todd. It's another one of those, 'Let's drive someone crazy' films combined with a 'Falsely assuming another person's identity' tropes. But, CHASE is so well tuned that it does keep you guessing to the very end (it's so good that Producer Douglas Fairbanks Jr does a cameo to warn folks to keep it a secret!!).Michael Anderson's direction is tight and superb, and the cast mostly pulls off the trick of being duplicitous throughout the entire running time. Is it entirely believable? Only in the movies, as they say! Mild Spoilers below: I've never truly believed that an impostor could fool a family member. No matter how much research one does, there are just an infinite number of tiny details, quirks, physical details and idiosyncratic ticks that nobody could duplicate - an anchor tattoo ain't enough! Also, my other quibble with CHASE specifically is that this family is supposedly one of great wealth, power and influence, yet nobody in this sleepy little tourist villa knows them - including the police chief? But, again, only in the movies! A great little film
MikeMagi
Okay, there are a few loose threads in the plot. But Michael Anderson's direction is so good and the performances so spot-on that who cares? Anne Baxter is a very rich young lady, holed up in a luxurious Spanish villa, who is understandably scared when a visitor shows up claiming to be her brother. Only problem is that her brother died a year ago and she identified the body. With the would-be brother come a lurking butler and a gaunt, steely-eyed housekeeper who have given the previous servants their notice. Oh, and there are some papers they want her to sign. Richard Todd is icily smooth as the visitor and Herbert Lom confused as a local policeman who doesn't know who to believe. Well worth watching.
Chris Gaskin
I've just purchased a copy of Chase a Crooked Shadow on video and found it very gripping and was surprised by the end.A complete stranger turns up a at a woman's home claiming to be her brother. But her brother is dead, but he still claims he his. Nobody believes he isn't her brother, including her uncle. She does eventually get a police chief to believe her but at the end, he turns on her and we find out who this man really is and the "new" staff at her mansion really are and what they want from her...The movie has some nice scenery and a rather haunting score.The cast includes Richard Todd (The Story of Robin Hood, The Dam Busters), Anne Baxter (I Confess), Herbert Lom (North West Frontier, Mysterious Island) and Alexander Knox. Excellent parts from all. This movie was produced by actor Douglas Fairbanks Jr.Chase a Crooked Shadow is worth catching if you get the chance. Excellent.Rating: 4 stars out of 5.
pcwagener
I consider this movie as one of the cleverest ever made. It keeps you perplexed till the end. Marvellous acting by all, with Herbert Lom always at his best. B&W very appropriate. Please, Amazon, make it available!
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