Penny Gold

Despite obviousness of many plot elements within this work directed by renowned cinematographer Jack Cardiff, it is quite possible to enjoy the film for its merits that include expected polished camera-work and lighting, but also superlative design, plainly a result of competent research, and atmospheric settings about Windsor Castle, to the benefit of a somewhat unfocused crime melodrama involving murder in the normally staid world of philately. Action opens in a flat close by the Castle with a young woman, fresh from a shower, being bludgeoned to death, over two dozen blows to the face making her corpse essentially unrecognizable, and when Detective Inspector Matthews (James Booth) launches an investigation he learns that the deceased was one of a pair of decorative and identical twins, performed by Francesca Annis, the surviving sister, Delphi, employed by their guardian, a prominent stamp collector, with the titular item, a piece of enormous value, being target of a plot to steal it, this somehow connected with the homicide. Filmed at London's Pinewood Studios complex and on location in the vicinity of Windsor Castle, including the House on the Bridge Restaurant atop Windsor Bridge, the windows of which offer an agreeable view of the Royal edifice (enjoyed here at lunch by Matthews and Delphi), the film suffers from credibility factors and an oddly structured use of flashbacks, but a John Scott score is reasonably effective (there is a seamless inclusion of police sirens!), and Cardiff leads his players well. There is not a weak portrayal from among the cast, with even the monochromatic Annis being largely believable, Booth and Nicky Henson providing strong turns as the case investigators; Joss Ackland gains acting honours as Jones, supervising police official in the matter.

Everyone is dying to get their hands on a priceless stamp, a Penny Gold.

It's a very watchable murder mystery, it is very much of its time, and I love that aspect of it, great cars, great fashion and some terrific location shooting. Plenty of suspense, loads of twists, expect the unexpected.

The best aspect of this film, Francesca Annie, she's a terrific talent, and dare I say it, incredibly beautiful, she has always had such enigmatic presence, I thought she made this film.

It's not a quality movie, it's a bit humdrum, but absorbing enough,w out for Joss Ackland and Penelope Keith.

One big twist I wasn't expecting, enjoyed. 6/10

It's a British murder mystery movie. It's not bad, though it's also not great; it tells a good story, though without being particularly engaging. Though modestly satisfying, the content feels less grabbing and noteworthy than the basics of the film's craft. Filming locations are fine and fetching, and set design and decoration no less so. I appreciate Jack Cardiff's direction, his keen eye for arranging shots and scenes, and for that matter the scene writing contributes a suitable level of tension and mystery to any given moment. I think the cast is fairly solid - yet with that having been said, what stands out the most to me about 'Penny Gold' is the appearance of Francesca Annis. Beautiful, smart, and charming in her own right, Annis is given an opportunity to demonstrate welcome range and nuance, not least of all for rather having two roles here instead of just one. If there is a singular reason to watch this feature, Annis is it, as her performance is frankly commanding.

I'm divided on John Scott's score, as some themes seem very fitting for the mood of a given scene, while in many other instances it's overly playful - for example, during the opening credits, as police examine and move the body of a murder victim. Characters are given just enough personality and varied motivations to feel real, and breathe some life into the narrative. I think the movie is well made - and, happily, in the last third of the length a spark of thrilling vigor is summoned that revitalizes the picture, constituting all the terrific value that 'Penny Gold' has to offer. This last stretch, leading into the climax and ending, is sharp and brilliant, and significantly boosts my overall opinion. I just wish that the rest of the feature were so absorbing, for the first two-thirds just don't make much of an impression. The result is that the title feels uneven; it's enjoyable, but just not quite as stimulating a cinematic experience as one would hope.

Recommendable above all for utmost fans of the cast, or of British murder mysteries, there's nothing so dazzling about this as to make it an essential must-see. It's not that there's any one specific fault about it - although the very, very end is a tad contrived - only that too much of the runtime passes by without actively getting one's attention. Still, when all is said and done it's ultimately entertaining, and worthwhile on its merits. You don't need to go out of your way for 'Penny Gold,' but if you happen upon it, it's a decent way to spend 90 minutes.

Jack Cardiff is an academy award winning cinematographer (for 1947's "Black Narcissus") but is an uneven director (Though his 1960 film "Sons and Lovers" garnered him an Oscar nomination). In this film, he moves away from the viewfinder of the camera and into the seat of the director's chair.

The DVD Cover provides this synopsis for the film: This dramatic indie thriller, set in the intriguing world of high-stakes stamp collectors, is directed by acclaimed British cinematographer Jack Cardiff. A detective (James Booth) is assigned to investigate the murder of a young woman, whose body is found in the shadow of Windsor castle. In the course of his inquiry, he stumbles onto a plot to steal a rare and valuable stamp called the Penny Gold--and encounters a woman who appears to be the dead girl's lovely but dangerous evil twin (Francesca Annis).

This description paints the film in a better light than it actually is, which is obvious since it comes from those trying to market the picture on DVD.The film's narrative has the quality of something one may see on a made-for-TV program rather than something one would consider "theatrical." While the set up and initially beginnings of the mystery are captivating, the rest of the film is dreadfully dull and uninteresting. The story is totally unfocused as we are presented with scenes, such as random flashbacks, that seem totally out of place and irrelevant.

The mystery itself is not at all that mysterious as the audience can predict its outcome from the very beginning and thus makes the film a big build up to nothing.

There are a few good traits, such as the wonderful location shots of Windsor Castle and the surrounding rural areas (courtesy of Mr. Cardiff), and a well-photographed car chase (which, unfortunately, seems out of place).

The DVD was a blind buy given its cheap price of merely $4 (most online DVD stores carry it between $4-$6), but I certainly wouldn't pay a cent more. The film, admittedly, is attractive at that price but it is suggested you save up your money for more quality films.

Not recommended except those who are fans of Jack Cardiff or those who don't mind squandering $5 to add a title to your collection.

Francesca Annis gives quite a performance as a pair of identical twin sisters, Delphi and Diane. They are complete opposites in personalities and lifestyles. When Diane is murdered, everybody is a suspect especially Delphi who deals with rare stamps. The film is satisfactory even with a stellar cast. They filmed on location in England. Jack Cardiff tried his hand at directing. The film is a decent effort. The mystery does have some twists especially at the end of the film. I wished the film had a better ending. I would have liked to know what happened to the main characters in the aftermath. James Booth plays detective in the film. I enjoy seeing other British actors and actresses like Nicky Henson, Joss Ackland, Una Stubbs, a young Dame Penelope Keith before she became a television star.