Review of Stranger in the House

Originally based on a Georges Simenon novel, Strangers in the House, the script was re-written to accommodate Bobby Darin in a role that was initially offered to George C. Scott. The plot now centers on a gang of New Age cut-ups. One of them is murdered. Who by? Who cares? It's difficult to get involved with this psychedelic generation of grown-up kids who have more money than sense. Not that their elders are much better in any respect! Anyway, the motives for the killing are obscure, but even allowing for any residue of interest in this aspect of the plot, the movie seems far too long, far too drawn out. Nevertheless, James Mason delivers a standout performance as the former eminent lawyer who has become a recluse, but is drawn back into court. Geraldine Chaplin is oddly appealing as Angela, the lawyer's daughter, while Paul Bertoya makes a sympathetic victim. In the support cast, James Hayter steals the show as Harley Hawkins. Bobby Darin, however, unwisely plays his whole role in an impersonation of Burt Lancaster! And one last thing I didn't like – the music by Patrick John Scott which is mixed into the sound track at too loud a level to suit my taste.