HOME AT SEVEN

UK, 1952, 85 minutes, Black and white.
Ralph Richardson, Margaret Leighton, Jack Hawkins, Meriel Forbes, Frederick Piper.
Directed by Ralph Richardson.

Home At Seven is based on a play by R.C. Sherriff (Journey's End). It is a star vehicle for Ralph Richardson, who also directed the file. He plays an ordinary citizen who has an amnesia experience and is accused of crimes. Margaret Leighton is his wife, Jack Hawkins his doctor. While the solution night seem highly contrived on film, it is handled quite well with flashback - and brings this very British and civilised thriller to a satisfying conclusion.

1. Entertaining thriller, study of human character? Credibility of the plot?

2. The work of Ralph Richardson, performance and direction? The London settings, black and white photography? The origin of the film in a stage play? opened up?

3. The focus on the, the Lapse of time, the experience, the confusion? Audiences identifying with David Preston's dilemma?

4. The title and its irony? (American title: Murder on Monday.) David Preston, Ralph Richardson's style, his job, regularity, arrival home, the shock to Janet, her weeping, the talk, his disbelief, the Tuesday newspaper? Confusions and his explanation? His character, the war, experience, marriage? Suspicions? The doctor and his treatment? His telling the truth about his visits to the pub and not wanting to
disturb Janet? The arrival of the police, the interrogation, the crimes, blame, circumstantial evidence? David's worry, confusion, deciding to give himself up? The effect of the experience on him?

5. Janet, loving wife, concern, worry? The neighbours and their concern, visits?

6. The doctor, his help, understanding?

7. The police, the investigations, suspicions, circumstances?

8. The Visit of the woman from the pub - the credibility of her arrival, the screenplay taking care of her not knowing David's address? At the pub, her wariness, the story of what happened, the flashbacks, the explanation? The relief of Janet? The police? Her critique of the police and their forcefulness?

9. The happy resolution, David at ease, Janet satisfied? The visit of the neighbour and the explanation of the crime?

10. The experience of a nightmare? Audiences identifying with this kind of amnesia drama?