Movie spotlight
In 1820s rural England, a young girl is tricked by tales of marriage from a villainous Squire. When she becomes pregnant and disappears, a gipsy lad is blamed.
A sensationalized retelling of the true Victorian-era murder of Maria Marten. The story follows the tragic events leading up to her death at the hands of her lover, William Corder, exploring the dark underbelly of rural life and the ensuing investigation and trial. The film capitalizes on the notoriety of the case, presenting a melodramatic and suspenseful narrative.
As a period piece capitalizing on a sensational true crime, the film was a popular success with audiences of its time, fitting into the vein of Gothic melodrama. While critical reviews from the era are scarce, its enduring status as a cult classic and Tod Slaughter's iconic performance suggest a strong, if perhaps lurid, impact. It is often cited as a prime example of British horror cinema of the 1930s.
Captures the gothic and melodramatic tone of its source material effectively.
Tod Slaughter delivers a memorable and chilling performance as the villain.
A notable example of British crime and horror films from the 1930s.
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The film is based on a real murder case that occurred in 1827, which became one of the most sensationalized crimes of the Victorian era, spawning numerous plays, pamphlets, and ballads long before this film adaptation.
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Based on real events, this isn't really one of Tod Slaughter's more memorable efforts. He is the dastardly squire "Corder" who loses the enormous sum of £6,000 in a game of dice, back in England at the start of the 19th century. So as to av...