(1955) Shadow of a Man
MYSTERY THRILLER/ PSYCHOLOGICAL
Adapted from the original stage play by Paul Erickson co-written and directed by Michael McCarthy that consists of a set up that showcases the beginning that also happens to be part of the end. It opens with the pier gate keeper being crossed examined about the events that lead to a person that was being shot off the pier into the ocean from the water front with the only thing left behind is the person's hat by the name of "Norman Ferrell". At this point viewers are oblivious who he is and what he has anything to do with anything. We're then shown someone by the name of Gene talking with a lady named Carol. And it is during then the movie then reevaluate viewers back in time before the shooting happened, that centers on Linda (Rona Anderson) and Paul (Bill Nagy) celebrating their wedding anniversary with a few of their friends of Carol (Jane Griffiths) and Norman Ferrell (Ronald Leigh-Hunt) and the owner of the club, Max (Robert O'Neil). What was supposed to be a good time, Paul is becoming belligerent and is obviously already drunk and is acting very obnoxious and he begins to scuffle with the owner, Max, forcing everyone amongst the group to leave early. And by the time they reach to the Linda and Paul's place of residence, he is then placed in bed before Norman and Carol leave. Linda later decides to check up on her husband Paul and discovers him already dead and she calls for the police. Linda presumes he had died from heart failure. In charge of the investigation are Inspector Gates (Tony Quinn) and his right hand man, Det. Sgt McBride (Jack Taylor) as they said Linda's husband's demise was the result of a needle point. And it was at this point is when Gene Landers (Paul Carpenter) shows up at the suite claimed to be Paul's friend. We find out he is a writer and just when he was about to stay at a hotel, he is then being urged to stay with Linda until the investigation is over. He takes the opportunity to find out Paul the person he thought he knew himself.
One of few movies where the alleged murder is not killed but captured. And while the gimmick at the opening confuses some people, it would not confuse others who has seen several movies like it.
