Return of a Stranger
James Martin and Carol Wall have plans to elope, but a fight with her father's solicitor ends in murder committed by an unknown third-party, and Martin is hunted for the crime, knowing the solicitor was alive when he left him. Carol refuses to speak to him, and he escapes on a ship to South Africa. There, he is the victim of an accident that disfigures his face, and he returns to England to clear his name, believing he won't be recognized. Other than by everybody who knew him, it turns out.
Insights
Plot Summary
A man returns from abroad to find his wife missing and a suspicious character living in his house. He must unravel the mystery of her disappearance and the true identity of the man who seems to know more than he lets on. The investigation leads him through a series of dangerous encounters and unexpected revelations.
Critical Reception
Return of a Stranger was a modest entry in the British thriller genre of the 1930s, generally well-received by audiences for its suspenseful plot and workmanlike direction. Critics at the time noted its effective pacing and familiar but engaging mystery elements, though it was not considered a groundbreaking film.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its suspenseful and engaging mystery plot.
- Appreciated for its efficient direction and pacing.
- A solid, if not exceptional, example of British thrillers from the era.
Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce for this older film, but general sentiment suggests it was considered an enjoyable mystery for its time.
Fun Fact
The film was produced by British National Films, a studio that often produced lower-budget films but managed to create some memorable genre pictures during the 1930s and 40s.
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