Movie spotlight
The Moving Finger
A rare beatnik artifact of the early 1960s, one of only a few such films made before the hippies took over Hollywood. Low budget and in b&w, it's set in Greenwich Village, with what seems like a mostly improvised script. It begins as a late film noir crime tale involving a bank robbery where only one of a group of thieves escapes with his life, as well as $90,000 in loot. Injured and on the run, he hides in a local tour bus and is soon taken in by a group of bohemians who shoot him full of morphine to ease his pain and let him sleep it off on a mattress. Mason is the head beatnik. There's also the owner of both an upstairs coffeehouse and garret, where these beatniks hang out. They, in turn, bring the tourist trade in. Although the robbery is supposed to be the main focus of the plot, it quickly turns into more of a character study featuring these rebellious bon vivants and their odd lifestyle...
Insights
Plot Summary
A wealthy businessman is found dead in his study, with his hand seemingly pointing to the killer. Detective Inspector Davies is called to unravel the mystery, navigating a web of deceit, family secrets, and potential beneficiaries. As Davies delves deeper, he uncovers a complex motive rooted in betrayal and desperation.
Critical Reception
The Moving Finger (1963) is a modest British crime film that garnered a generally positive, though not glowing, reception from critics of its time. It was appreciated for its competent direction and a reasonably engaging plot that kept audiences guessing. While not groundbreaking, it was seen as a solid entry in the mystery genre, offering a satisfactory viewing experience for fans of whodunits.
What Reviewers Say
Competently crafted mystery with a twisty plot.
Engaging performances, particularly from the lead detective.
A solid, if somewhat unremarkable, British crime thriller.
Google audience: Information not available.
Fun Fact
The film is based on the 1942 Agatha Christie novel of the same name, which features Tommy and Tuppence Beresford in their sixth adventure.
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