THE BEAST MUST DIE (not to be confused with the 1974 Amicus horror film of the same name) is a 1952 Film Noir and is one of two new releases from Flicker Alley and the Film Noir Foundation that showcase two "lost" movies from 1950s Argentina. The film is based on a once celebrated novel from an unusual source, the 1938 crime thriller of the same name written by Nicholas Blake. What makes it unusual is that Blake was the pen name used by England's then Poet Laureate, Cecil Day-Lewis when he wrote crime novels before he became PL. Today he is remembered as the father of award winning actor Daniel Day-Lewis.
The story concerns a widower, mystery writer Felix Lane, whose young son is struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver. He becomes obsessed with finding that driver and then killing him personally. It takes a while but he eventually locates the person and then infiltrates his household in order to get closer to his victim. He befriends and uses various family members in order to achieve his quest. Lane discovers that the person is a rich, no-good scoundrel that everyone hates so his task is made both easier and harder since many people have good reasons to want him dead.
The performances by an ensemble cast of top Argentinian actors is first rate led by Narciso Ibanez Benta as the grief stricken and then later revenge obsessed father. Other standouts include Laura Hidalgo as the female lead (but not a femme fatale), Guillermo Bataglia as the "beast" who brutalizes his family, and Humberto Balado as the young nephew who reminds the father of his dead son. The photography is suitably atmospheric and the direction by Roman Vinoly Barreto is as good as anything by John Huston, Jacques Tourneur, or Anthony Mann.
Thanks once again to Flicker Alley for continuing their ongoing Film Noir Series in partnership with "Noircheologist" Eddie Muller and to his Film Nor Foundation for rescuing THE BEAST MUST DIE from oblivion. The DVD/Blu Ray combo comes with a 21 page booklet that is loaded with photos and information. Other extras include a filmed introduction on the movie with Muller, a conversation with the director's son, and a profile of lead actor Narciso Ibanez Menta. Finally there is an optional commentary from film historian Guido Segal. An absolute must have for fans of Film Noir...For more reviews visit The Capsule Critic.
