Three Cases of Murder (1955)

Three Cases of Murder Poster

Three stories of murder and the supernatural: A museum worker is introduced to a world behind the pictures he sees every day. When two lifelong friends fall in love with the same woman and she is killed, they are obvious suspects. Is their friendship strong enough for them to alibi each other? When a young politician is hurt by the arrogant Secretary for Foreign Affairs Lord Mountdrago, he uses Mountdrago's dreams to get revenge.

Introduction to "Three Cases of Murder"
"Three Cases of Murder" is a British anthology film launched in 1955, which integrates the talents of various directors for each of its three stories. The film is a compelling mix of drama, fantasy, and suspense, with each section providing an unique narrative twist on the style of murder. In spite of the varying styles and plots, the segments together provide a combined expedition of humanity and the dark consequences of violence and betrayal.

In the Picture
The opening section, "In the Picture", directed by Wendy Toye, presents us to a museum guide called Jarvis (played by Hugh Pryse) who becomes enthralled with a painting of a space. He meets a strange character named Snape (Alan Badel), who has the fantastical ability to go into paintings. Jarvis is seduced by the chance to leave his ordinary presence and accepts Snape's deal to enter the painted world. Inside, Jarvis discovers himself in an ominous world and rapidly recognizes the dark nature of Snape's objectives. The magical adventure takes a sinister turn, leading to mortal effects and the revelation that every escape comes with its rate, and sometimes that rate is life itself.

You Killed Elizabeth
The second story, "You Killed Elizabeth", is a mental drama directed by David Eady. It looks into the lives of 2 buddies, George (Emrys Jones) and Edgar (John Gregson), both of whom are infatuated with the very same lady-- Elizabeth (Elizabeth Sellars). Stress occurs between the 2 males when Elizabeth is discovered murdered, and an intricate web of jealousy, betrayal, and suspicion unfolds. What begins as a tale of romantic competition escalates into a gripping investigation into Elizabeth's unforeseen death. As the narrative progresses, the cunningly built plot causes unforeseen twists, exposing the real nature of the characters and the real killer in a significant climax.

Lord Mountdrago
The final installation, "Lord Mountdrago", directed by George More O'Ferrall, is based on a narrative by W. Somerset Maugham. It includes Orson Welles as the respected however big-headed Lord Mountdrago, who is haunted in his dreams by an opposing political figure, Owen (Alan Badel). Mountdrago's contempt for Owen causes an act of public embarrassment throughout a political argument, which activates an unusual kind of psychological revenge. Night after night, Owen attacks Mountdrago's dreams, turning his rest into an exhausting battlefield and his life into a waking headache. Not able to leave the torment, Mountdrago seeks the help of a psychiatrist, played by André Morell, and the plot takes a spiral into the supernatural. The segment analyzes themes of power, regret, and the subconscious, eventually facing Lord Mountdrago with his own peccadilloes, resulting in a dramatic and awful resolution.

Conclusion and Reflection
"Three Cases of Murder" tends to be an underappreciated anthology in the record of timeless British cinema, yet it stands apart for its expedition of criminal activity and human psychology. The movie's triptych method permits a varied series of storytelling techniques while keeping murder as the common thread. Each sector effectively immerses the audience in its own special environment and provides a twist that leaves an enduring impression. The film's stories range from the eerily fantastical to the mentally thrilling, showcasing a breadth that is both thought-provoking and amusing. With strong efficiencies, especially from Orson Welles and Alan Badel, "Three Cases of Murder" is a classic film that offers an interesting foray into the darker aspects of the human heart and the unforeseen effects of violence and power.

Top Cast

  • Orson Welles (small)
    Orson Welles
    Lord Mountdrago ("Lord Mountdrago" segment)
  • John Gregson (small)
    John Gregson
    Edgar Curtain ("You Killed Elizabeth" segment)
  • Elizabeth Sellars (small)
    Elizabeth Sellars
    Elizabeth ("You Killed Elizabeth" segment)
  • Emrys Jones (small)
    Emrys Jones
    George Wheeler ("You Killed Elizabeth" segment)
  • Alan Badel (small)
    Alan Badel
    Owen (segment "Lord Mountdrago") / Mr. X (segment "In the Picture") / Harry (segment "You Killed Elizabeth")
  • André Morell (small)
    André Morell
    Dr. Audlin ("Lord Mountdrago" segment)
  • Hugh Pryse (small)
    Hugh Pryse
    Jarvis ("The Picture" segment)
  • Leueen MacGrath (small)
    Leueen MacGrath
    Woman in the House ("In the Picture" segment)
  • Eddie Byrne (small)
    Eddie Byrne
    Snyder ("The Picture" segment)
  • Helen Cherry (small)
    Helen Cherry
    Lady Mountdrago ("Lord Mountdrago" segment)
  • Eamonn Andrews (small)
    Eamonn Andrews
    Introductions