Set in 1890 London, a somewhat impoverished gentleman thief (Peter Lawford) steals a priceless emerald from a wealthy aristocrat (Heather Thatcher). But when a policeman is murdered nearby on the same evening, the latest in a string of murders of London constables, Scotland Yard is convinced the man who stole the emerald and the serial killer are the same person! Based on the novel X VS. REX by Philip MacDonald (LIST OF ADRIAN MESSENGER) and directed by Harold French (THE MAN WHO LOVED REDHEADS). Rich in gaslit atmosphere thanks to the atmospheric cinematography of Guy Green (Lean's GREAT EXPECTATIONS), this elegant murder mystery is quite enjoyable although it can't quite sustain itself and the movie's last ten minutes are a disappointment. This being 1952, bourgeois morality takes precedence over a stylish finish to a classy mystery movie. Still, mystery fans should have a good time with it, I know I did. With Dawn Addams, Derek Bond, Michael Hordern, Roland Culver and Colin Gordon.
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