Three Cases of Murder

Three Cases of Murder is a provocative British anthology film from 1954, directed by David Eady, George More O'Ferrall, and Wendy Toye. Orson Welles, John Gregson, Elizabeth Sellars, and Alan Badel head the stellar ensemble cast in this collection of three individual narratives, each presenting exploration around mystique, murder, and morality.

The film commences with the segment, "In the Picture." It features an art gallery security guard played by the formidable actor, John Gregson, whose life turns ominous when he's drawn into a threatening world within a landscape painting. Director Wendy Toye cleverly uses a painting to ignite a compelling investigation into the fundamentals of reality and illusion, delivering an engaging narrative laced with subtle macabre undertones.

The second episode titled, "You Killed Elizabeth" is portrayed within a more familiar territory of suspense fare. Directors David Eady and George More O'Ferrall collaborate to weave an intricate plot of deceit and guilt. It follows two friends, played by John Gregson and Emrys Jones, who find themselves ensnared in a grim web of suspicion and misunderstanding following the suspicious death of a woman named Elizabeth, performed by Elizabeth Sellars. This segment is hauntingly atmospheric, with the directors skillfully deploying delicate imagery and pacing to evoke an increasing sense of unease.

Perhaps the most celebrated segment of the three is "Lord Mountdrago" with a script by none other than Orson Welles. Welles also stars in the part, portraying the eponymous protagonist, encountering escalating humiliation every night in his dreams by a political adversary he had publicly disgraced – the vengeful politician played brilliantly by Alan Badel. The narrative develops along lines of psychological horror, examining the boundaries of sanity and the devastating effects of guilt and remorse. Welles, once again, proves his indisputable mastery in his craft, both as a writer and as an actor - by not only delivering a captivating narrative but also an unnerving performance as the tormented Lord.

A significant part of the film's allure is its transition between segments. As part of the framing device, each of these narratives is interspersed with conversations between four individuals in a morgue, suggesting that the death is a mystery even in the afterlife. The entire film is shot in black and white, which amplifies the ominous and suspenseful ambiance of the storylines. The art direction and cinematography are striking, capitalizing on the collective atmospheric vibe to capture the nuances of narratives that fluctuate between the realms of realism, surreality, and psychological horror.

The performances are a key highlight of the film, with the impressive line-up of actors leaving their mark. From John Gregson's evocative portrayal of a man trapped in an eerily surreal situation, Elizabeth Sellars's captivating performance as the ill-fated Elizabeth, to Orson Welles's riveting embodiment of a conflicted and tormented Lord Mountdrago.

Regarded as a remarkable gem of its era, Three Cases of Murder takes the viewer on an unnerving journey into the perplexing world of morality, mystery, and murder. Its potent mix of excellent performances, beautiful cinematography, ingenious plot development, and an impressively eerie ambiance make it a must-watch for admirers of classic British cinema. It is a powerful film, delivering a chilling exploration of human nature and the possible gruesome outcomes of individual actions. In spite of its occasional lulls, the movie's strengths vastly outweigh any negatives, rendering it a compelling watch even over half a century later.