Uncle Silas

Knowl Manor, September 1845.

Uncle Silas is directed by Charles Frank and adapted to screenplay by Ben Travers from the novel of the same name written by Sheridan Le Fanu. It stars Jean Simmons, Katina Paxinou, Derrick De Marney, Derek Bond, Sophie Stewart and Esmond Knight. Music is by Alan Rawstone and cinematography by Robert Krasker.

Upon the death of her loving father, teenager Caroline Ruthyn (Simmons) is bequeathed the family inheritance when she reaches the age of 21. In the interim she is requested to go live with her Uncle Silas (De Marney) in his ramshackle Gothic mansion. Silas was once considered unbalanced, even getting off with a murder charge when some felt he was guilty as sin, but now he seems warm towards Caroline...

Now who doesn't like a well executed bit of Gothic mystery? Jean Simmons ("Caroline") inherits a great deal of money from her father, but until she becomes of age she must move into the ramshackle stately pile of her kindly uncle "Silas" (Derrick De Marney). Well, at least he sounded kindly - but once she is safely ensconced in his home, it soon becomes clear that he hasn't two brass farthings to rub together and so has his beady eyes on her fortune. The house also entertains his peculiar son "Austin" (Reginald Tate) and her conspiratorial governess - the nasty piece of work that is "Madama de la Rougierre" (Katina Paxinou). Aside from a slightly foppish De Marnay, this is a well cast drama with plenty of well photographed, darkly lit, scen...