THE UNSEEN
US, 1945, 80 minutes, Black and white.
Joel Mc Crea, Gail Russell, Herbert Marshall, Phyllis Brooks, Isabella Elsom, Norman Lloyd, Elizabeth Risdon, Tom Tully, Richard Lyon.
Directed by Lewis Allen.
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The Unseen is an atmospheric thriller of the mid 1940s from Paramount Studios.
Atmosphere is important, the black-and-white photography, the home and the contrast with the empty house next door and its mysteries. Joel Mc Crea is rather severe as the widower who is mourning the death of his wife, is under suspicion from the police, does not deal well with his children. Gail Russell is the young and ingenuous governess who becomes involved in the mysteries of the house as well as the local murders. Herbert Marshall, in a role similar to many he has played, is a sympathetic doctor – but it turns out to be the murderer.
There is a good supporting cast, the creation of an eerie atmosphere within the house, the odd behaviour of the little boy and his phoning and devotion to the previous governess. A mysterious man appears in the kitchen but is a caretaker. The widow of the owner of the house next door also reappears and has a story of her own.
The film was brief in its running time but will keep the interest of those who enjoy this kind of blend of thriller with family story.
1. The blend of family drama and eerie murder mystery?
2. The New England setting, the city, the streets, the family home, the empty building next door, the doctor’s home, the cinema…? Authentic feel? The musical score?
3. The title? The murders, the bodies in the street, the empty house, the history of the house? The threats, to the governess, to the children?
4. David, widower, suspicions about his wife’s death? His stern demeanour? His friendship with Dr Evans and relying on him? His attitude towards the children, considering them troublesome? His manner in dealing with them? Maxine, the governess, the dismissal? His attitude towards Elizabeth, her age, her inexperience? The children and their suspicions of Elizabeth? The little girl bonding with her, play, toys? The contrast with Barnaby and his hostility, his mysterious phone calls, his talking about the previous governess, Maxine?
5. The murder, the suspicions, the police and investigations? Further killings?
6. The sinister atmosphere, black-and-white photography, the empty house? Marian arriving and her story about the empty house, her marriage? The mystery of the caretaker, his sudden appearance in the kitchen, frightening Elizabeth?
7. Elizabeth, her character, inexperience, responding to the demands, trying to bond with the children? The mystery of Maxine? The outing, going to the movies? Barnaby going out and phoning? The long way home and the anxieties? David and his demands? His appearing and disappearing, his rules about opening the door, the key, disbelieving Elizabeth?
8. Marian, her visit, her explanations, her absence?
9. Maxine, her appearance, the truth about her, coaching Barnaby, blackmail? Her death?
10. Dr Evans, his visits, genial, his help?
11. Elizabeth, a realisation of the truth, Marian and her death, the revelations, the role of the doctor, previous killings, his being unmasked?
12. David, his relating, appreciation of Elizabeth, the children bonding?
