The Green Scarf ** (1954, Michael Redgrave, Ann Todd, Leo Genn, Kieron Moore, Richard O’Sullivan) – Classic Movie Review 12,516

The 1954 British mystery thriller film The Green Scarf stars Michael Redgrave as a bearded French lawyer who defends a deaf, dumb and blind novelist (Kieron Moore) accused of killing a man in a seemingly motiveless murder.

Director George More O’Ferrall’s 1954 British mystery thriller film The Green Scarf stars Michael Redgrave as a bearded French lawyer who defends a deaf, dumb and blind novelist (Kieron Moore) accused of murdering a man in a seemingly motiveless murder.

In court, the novelist pleads guilty and his wife (Ann Todd) interprets his thoughts for the jury, but lawyer Redgrave sets out to reveal the real truth. Is Moore innocent? Is Todd guilty? If so why?

The convoluted but contrived routine courtroom twists and turns and teases as it trundles along to what mystery fans may find its rather obvious conclusion. But conscientious acting by a very decent cast and some strong dramatic moments lift it up. Gordon Wellesley’s screenplay from the novel The Brute by Guy des Cars is similar to the plot of 1987’s Suspect.

The main cast are Michael Redgrave, Ann Todd, Leo Genn, Kieron Moore, Richard O’Sullivan, Jane Lamb, Michael Medwin, Jane Griffiths, Jane Henderson, Ella Milne, George Merritt, Peter Burton, Tristan Rawson, Phil Brown, and Anthony Nicholls.

The film was shot by Jack Hildyard at Shepperton Studios with sets designed by art director Wilfred Shingleton. It is written by Gordon Wellesley, based on the novel The Brute by the best-selling French author Guy des Cars.

The Green Scarf is directed by George More O’Ferrall, runs 96 minutes, is made by B & A Productions, is distributed by British Lion Films, is written by Gordon Wellesley, based on the novel The Brute by Guy des Cars, is shot in black and white by Jack Hildyard, is produced by Bertram Ostrer and Albert Fennell, is scored by Brian Easdale, and designed by Wilfred Shingleton.

Release date: 25 August 1954 (London).

The cast are Michael Redgrave as Maitre Deliot, Ann Todd as Solange Vauthier, Leo Genn as Rodelec. Kieron Moore as Jacques, Richard O’Sullivan as Child Jacques, Jane Lamb as Child Solange, Michael Medwin as Teral, Jane Griffiths as Danielle, Ella Milne as Louise, Jane Henderson as Mme. Vauthier, George Merritt as Advocate General, Peter Burton as Purser, Tristan Rawson as Prison Governor, Henry Caine as Ship’s Captain, Phil Brown as John Bell, Anthony Nicholls as Goirin, Walter Horsbrugh as Interpreter, Evelyn Roberts as President of the Court, Neil Wilson as Inspector, Michael Golden as Warder, Launce Maraschal as Sen. Bell, Terence Alexander as Wireless Operator, Frank Singuineau as Clerk at Telegram desk, and Wilfrid Brambell as Court clerk.

© Derek Winnert 2023 – Classic Movie Review 12,516

Check out more reviews on http://derekwinnert.com