When composer George Harvey Bone wakes with no memory of the previous night and a bloody knife in his pocket, he worries that he has committed a crime. On the advice of Dr. Middleton, Bone agrees to relax, going to a music performance by singer Netta Longdon. Riveted by Netta, Bone agrees to write songs for her rather than his own concerto. However, Bone soon grows jealous of Netta and worries about controlling himself during his spells.
George Harvey Bone, a mild-mannered pub pianist in London, suffers from blackouts during which he commits violent acts. These episodes become more frequent and severe, particularly when he is near his friend Barbara 'Bobbie' Johnson. Unbeknownst to George, his bouts of amnesia are linked to his manipulative agent, Netland, who uses George's dissociative identity disorder to commit murders and frame him. As George's condition worsens and the police close in, he must confront the horrifying truth behind his fugue states.
Hangover Square is generally regarded as a chilling and atmospheric film noir, praised for its suspenseful narrative, unsettling portrayal of mental illness, and strong performances, particularly from Laird Cregar. While not a mainstream blockbuster, it has gained a cult following over the years for its gothic undertones and psychological horror elements, becoming a notable entry in the genre.
Google audience: Audience reviews often highlight the film's effective suspense and the chilling performance by Laird Cregar. Many appreciate its dark, atmospheric quality and its exploration of psychological themes, though some find the plot occasionally convoluted.
Laird Cregar, who plays George Harvey Bone, was intensely unhappy with his physical appearance and the typecasting he received for villainous roles. He died of a heart attack just a few months after the film's release, reportedly while on a diet to lose weight and change his image.
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