Review of Hangover Square (1945) by Art S — 14 Dec 2015

Gothic thriller (with overtones of noir) that doesn't harbor any real surprises but holds its own as a moody turn-of-the-century London tale. Laird Cregar stars as a composer who is experiencing blackouts from overwork that may also be leading him to murder those who get in his way.

Bernard Herrmann wrote the concerto (and the popular songs) that Cregar supposedly wrote and their ominous chords contribute greatly to the film's dark atmosphere. Linda Darnell co-stars as the singer taking advantage of Cregar for her own ends and who leads him away from using his gifts for high (rather than low) art.

George Sanders is also on hand as a crime doctor who suspects the truth. Pivotal scenes involve fire (a Guy Fawkes night bonfire and the final fatal last concerto performance), shot dramatically in high contrast.

Solid fare for fans of 1940s cinema.