Something to Hide (1972)

Something to Hide Poster

A man having marital problems with his shrewish wife picks up a young, pretty and pregnant hitchhiker. Before he knows it, he's in over his head and mixed up in violence and murder.

Film Overview
"Something to Hide" is a 1972 British movie likewise referred to as "Shattered" in the United States. Directed by Alastair Reid, the movie is based upon an unique by Nicholas Monsarrat entitled 'A Coffin From Hong Kong.' The leading roles are represented by Peter Finch as Harry Field and Shelley Winters as Gabriella. The genre is a mix of mental thriller and drama.

Plot Summary
Harry Field (Peter Finch) is portrayed as a disillusioned, middle-class male having a hard time mentally due to the failing physical health and mental disorder of his other half, seen bearing the impact of her paranoid allegations and violent state of mind swings. As a result, he begins leading a perverse double life which leads him into a spiral of unforeseen and undesirable issues.

Upon his schedule to run an errand, his automobile breaks down, and while looking for assistance, he experiences a pregnant teenage hitchhiker, known as Gabriella (Linda Hayden). Using her a ride and a short-lived location to remain, Harry quickly finds himself trapped in a complicated web, as Gabriella gives birth prematurely in his house while his other half remains in her hospital.

Meanwhile, in juxtaposing storyline, Harry's secret enthusiast played by Shelley Winters, adds to the issues. As the plot thickens, Harry juggles between his crumbling personal life and an increasing sense of obligation for the young girl and her baby, all amidst the haunting secrets he keeps. The overall theme centers around guilt, obligation, and the psychological toll they handle a person.

Performing and Direction
Finch carries out a subtle yet powerful efficiency, enforcing his character's moral dispute flawlessly on-screen. His portrayal of the struggling hubby embroiled in personal emergencies is complemented well by Shelley Winters, who includes complexity to the story.

On the other hand, Linda Hayden as Gabriella provides a fully grown efficiency as the stranded pregnant teenager, with her relations with Harry Field forming much of the plot's structure and intensity. Likewise, the performing of the supporting cast holds the narrative together.

Reid's direction merges the dramatic and exhilarating elements, showing his capability to develop thriller and evoke an atmosphere of compassion and anxiety. He utilizes measured pacing permitting the dense plot to unfold rationally and the characters to establish in spite of the somewhat complicated story.

Vital Reception
"Something to Hide" is thought about to be a mostly underrated movie from the early '70s, standing apart mainly due to its well-developed characters, extreme plot, and a persuasive display of middle-age crisis, regret, and duty. The movie was generally accepted favorably for its engaging story, though some critics thought it got side-tracked at times, trying to incorporate a lot of elements simultaneously.

In conclusion, "Something to Hide" works as a suspenseful and significant expedition of a man's life knotted in complicated scenarios. Through striking efficiencies and a mix of mystique and tension, the film narrates an unusual story of obligation and guilt, leaving viewers contemplating over their understandings of right, wrong, and morality.

Top Cast

  • Peter Finch (small)
    Peter Finch
    Harry Field
  • Shelley Winters (small)
    Shelley Winters
    Gabriella Field
  • Colin Blakely (small)
    Colin Blakely
    Blagdon
  • Linda Hayden (small)
    Linda Hayden
    Lorelei
  • John Stride (small)
    John Stride
    Sergeant Tom Winnington
  • Harold Goldblatt (small)
    Harold Goldblatt
    Dibbick
  • Rosemarie Dunham (small)
    Rosemarie Dunham
    Elsie
  • Helen Fraser (small)
    Helen Fraser
    Miss Bunyan
  • Jack Shepherd (small)
    Jack Shepherd
    Joe Pepper
  • Graham Crowden (small)
    Graham Crowden
    Lay Preacher
  • Johnny Shannon
    Lorry Driver