Uncle Silas (1947)

Written by CinemaSerf on July 7, 2022

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, scenarios to keep the mystery bubbling along - helped significantly by Simmons' wonderfully butter-wouldn't-melt characterisation of the initially gullible, but not entirely foolish "Caroline", particularly when contrasted with the juicily menacing governess. Rarely seen, but I can't think why - it has all the ingredients and although the ending is a shade on the disappointing side, is still at the top end of this light horror genre.