As many reviewers have noted, this is a neat and tightly-plotted thriller set in suburban Surrey, probably no more than a couple of miles from the studio at Walton-on-Thames, with a hissable villain, and a 'what's going to happen next' feel to it. Good performances all round, and a good script, with much credit going to the original story from Pip and Jane Baker.
However, it is worth pointing out that Norman could have weaselled out from under the charge at a couple of points. First, had he simply pretended to the police who arrive sharp at 7.00 at Peggy's bungalow that he had knocked on the door but not gone in, he might have given himself the basis for a far more convincing story. Second, he would actually have had his alibi if he had only told the police that Dr Murdoch arrived at his house at 6.30 and that he had not let him in. As it was, Dr Murdoch tells the police of his arrival, in Norman's hearing, and so deprives Norman of that route to safety.
Also, much of the plot is served by the singularly unobservant neighbours on Peggy's estate, who seem to be unable to corroborate or deny any of the various narratives offered to the police.
Even so, it's good fun thinking about how things might have changed, and the final twist alone is worth the price of entry. Altogether a far better film than we had any right to expect.
However, it is worth pointing out that Norman could have weaselled out from under the charge at a couple of points. First, had he simply pretended to the police who arrive sharp at 7.00 at Peggy's bungalow that he had knocked on the door but not gone in, he might have given himself the basis for a far more convincing story. Second, he would actually have had his alibi if he had only told the police that Dr Murdoch arrived at his house at 6.30 and that he had not let him in. As it was, Dr Murdoch tells the police of his arrival, in Norman's hearing, and so deprives Norman of that route to safety.
Also, much of the plot is served by the singularly unobservant neighbours on Peggy's estate, who seem to be unable to corroborate or deny any of the various narratives offered to the police.
Even so, it's good fun thinking about how things might have changed, and the final twist alone is worth the price of entry. Altogether a far better film than we had any right to expect.