Smart Alec (1951 UK film)
Smart Alec is a 1951 British crime film directed by John Guillermin and starring Peter Reynolds.[1]
| Smart Alec | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | John Guillermin |
| Written by | Alec Coppel |
| Based on | play Mr Smart Guy by Alec Coppel |
| Produced by | Roger Proudlock |
| Starring | Peter Reynolds |
| Cinematography | Ray Elton |
| Edited by | Robert Jordan Hill |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | Grand National Pictures (U.K.) |
Release date | March 1951 (U.K.) |
Running time | 58 miutes |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
Plot Edit
Young Alec Albion plans to kill his rich uncle. He sets himself up in an apartment overlooking his uncle's and carefully times himself going from one room to another by use of a particular music record. He has a new young wife, Judith, but is visited in the flat by Sylvia, a woman with whom he is obviously on intimate terms. His wife sees her coming from the direction of their flat, but Alec lies that she had accidentally come to the wrong door.
He arranges an alibi by having the new chief commissioner of police, Sir Randolph Towle, who lives in the same building, as his chief witness. He invites Sir Randolph over for tea and tells him he has had a premonition about his uncle's murder. Alec asks him to look out of the window to see if his uncle is in his favourite spot on a hot day like this, sitting on his balcony, and Sir Randolph confirms that he is. Alec puts the record on the turntable, with the volume turned up, then goes into the other room. The murder is committed, and the body is soon found by the maid. Sir Randolph confirms Alec's statement that he was only out off the room for a few seconds, which is time enough for him to have shot his uncle from the window. However, the police surgeon finds no bullet in the body or in the room, and Sir Randolph's testimony proves that Alec did not have enough time to go to his uncle's flat and kill him. The police find a hidden gun, which Alec claims he hid because he didn't have a license, but since there is no bullet, they cannot prove that this is the murder weapon. Alec then adds another layer to his alibi by revealing that Judith was in a large cupboard throughout his conversation with the commissioner, which she, a secretary, took down in shorthand. He says he asked her to do this because he was worried about Sir Randolph's reaction to his premonition. Uncle Eddie's friend and lawyer tells them that Eddie was going to make a new will the next day, disinheriting Alec. The commissioner and the investigating police officers are convinced that Alec committed the murder, and the commissioner insists that they charge him, ignoring the inspector's wish to continue his investigations first, as he believes that a jury will find him not guilty on the evidence they now have.
As the inspector feared, Alec is found not guilty, and he leaves the court a free man. A puzzled and anxious Judith sees her husband with the mysterious Sylvia again. Alec sends Judith off on a trip, saying he'll soon follow her, but then makes arrangements with Sylvia for them to go off together.
But first, Alec calls Sir Randolph, the police inspector and sergeant, and Uncle Eddie's lawyer to the flat, and is surprised when Judith also turns up. He proceeds to demonstrate how he committed the murder. He used a bullet made of ice, which, on that hot day, had melted by the time Eddie was examined. He boasts that since he has been found not guilty of killing Eddie, he can openly admit to the murder and the law cannot touch him. The inspector asks him to load the gun with more ice bullets and go to the window to show them how he did it. Alec eagerly agrees, but is shocked to see Uncle Eddie sitting on the balcony. Eddie tells them that the day before the murder his twin brother, who lives in Canada, had arrived, and Eddie offered his brother the use of his flat while he was away. When he heard that Alec was to be charged with his murder, Eddie felt that his crafty nephew would get off, and planned this re-emergence in order to catch the murderer. Now, Alec will be arrested for murdering his other uncle, using evidence he has himself given.
Alec grabs the gun, and threatens the assembled people. He calls Judith over and tells her to hold the others using the gun while he escapes. Judith takes the gun, but she has finally realised that Alec only married her to aid with his alibi. To his astonishment, she fires the gun at him, wounding him slightly. He quickly locks the door, and makes a run for it. The police break down the door and follow. Alec tries to escape in his car, but had forgotten that the flats' porter had the keys, and starts to run through the streets, with the police in pursuit. They soon catch him, and as he is taken away by the police, a sad Judith says 'Any message for Sylvia?'
Cast Edit
- Peter Reynolds as Alec Albion
- Leslie Dwyer as Gossage
- Edward Lexy as Inspector Ashley
- Kynaston Reeves as Sir Randolph Towle
- Charles Hawtrey as Farr
- Mercy Haystead as Judith Albion
- Frederick Morant as Edward Hale
- David Hurst as Poppi
- David Keir as Mr. Guppy
- Annette D. Simmonds as Sylvia
- Vernon Smythe as Judge
- Peter Bull as Prosecuting Counsel
- Basil Dignam as Defending Counsel
Original play: Mr Smart Guy Edit
| Mr Smart Guy | |
|---|---|
| Written by | Alec Coppel |
| Date premiered | 10 May 1941 |
| Place premiered | Minerva Theatre, Sydney |
| Original language | English |
| Genre | thriller |
The script was based on a play Mr Smart Guy by Alec Coppel, who wrote it in England at the beginning of the war.[2] They play had originally been called North Light.[3]
Plot Edit
Rex Albion wishes to take possession of a particular flat which is opposite that of his rich uncle. He moves in and invites the chief commissioner of police, Sir Randolph Towe, over for tea. While this happens, the uncle is shot dead while sitting on the balcony... but no bullet is found.[4]
World premiere Edit
The play had its world premiere in Sydney in 1941. It was the first presentation from Whitehall Productions, a new theatrical company established by Coppel and Kathleen Robinson.[5][6] The profits from the season went to the Red Cross.[7]
The original cast was:[8]
- Nigel Lovell as Rex Albion
- Harvey Adams as Detective Inspector Ashley
- Catherine Duncan as Judith Dyer
- Charles Zoli as Cossage, the porter
- Richard Parry as Sir Randolph Towle, chief commissioner of police
- Leslie Victor as the family lawyer Mr Gruppy
- Grant McIntyre as Walter
- Charles MeCallum as Mr. Justice Abercorn
- Frederick MoMahon as Detective Farr
- John MacDougall as Richards
- Phil Smith as Mr Hymie
William Constable did the design.[9]
The Sydney Morning Herald reviewer said those who found I Killed the Count "such a soundly-constructed and Ingenious murder mystery will find much to entertain them in his latest offering, despite its weakness and it« lack of sustained Interest... The first act drags, and the second loses its necessary punch and development of tension because its couise of drama Is too often Impeded by comic interference. "[10]
The Daily Telegraph called it "delightful entertainment."[11]
Nonetheless the play was a popular success.[12]
The play was revived at the Minerva in August 1941 for a three-week run with Ron Randell in the lead role and Muriel Steinbeck in the lone female part.[13] The Sydney Morning Herald theatre critic said Randell "failed to explore the subtle aspects of the playwrights study of a criminal exhibitionist."[14]
Radio adaptation Edit
The play was performed on radio on the ABC in May 1941.[15] Max Afford did the adaptation and the original cast reprised their roles.[16]
The play also inspired a song by Sefton Daly which was recorded by Coppel's then-fiancée Myra.[17]
English production Edit
The play was produced in England in 1947 under the title Strange as it May Seem.[18][19]
The Derby Evening Telegraph called it "an excellent play".[20]
The play was adapted for Australian radio under this title in 1949.[21]
Production Edit
Film rights were bought by Vandyke Productions, a short-lived production company founded by brothers Roger and Nigel Proudlock that specialised in low budget pictures. Coppel made some changes to the play in adapting it including adding another female part. The film was shot at Nettlefold Studios, Walton-on-Thames in Surrey. It was filmed back to back with Two on the Tiles and Four Days.[22]
Reception Edit
The Monthly Film Bulletin said "the naivety and absurdity of the story is far surpassed by the acting."[23]
Filmink said "The film is only 55 minutes and is a little silly, but races along. Guillermin does an outstanding job as director, keeping things pacy and brisk; actors are always moving around, the low budget is covered by keeping the action in a few rooms or doing it via close ups (eg the trial sequence) and there’s a neat final shot with a camera on a car (or something pulling away)."[24]
References Edit
- ^ "Smart Alec (1951)". BFI. Retrieved 7 December 2019.
- ^ "In the Theatres". The Sydney Morning Herald. 8 May 1941. p. 22. Retrieved 4 September 2012 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "MORE STAGE PLAYS". The Age. No. 26, 852. Victoria, Australia. 10 May 1941. p. 12. Retrieved 22 October 2017 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "MR SMART GUY". Truth. No. 2679. Sydney. 11 May 1941. p. 32. Retrieved 22 October 2017 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ ""MR. SMART GUY."". The Sydney Morning Herald. 12 May 1941. p. 4. Retrieved 4 September 2012 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "Living Up To The "Boom"". The Age. No. 26, 858. Victoria. 17 May 1941. p. 12. Retrieved 22 October 2017 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "BACK-STAGE". The Daily Telegraph. Vol. VI, no. 41. Sydney. 9 May 1941. p. 16. Retrieved 26 September 2019 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "MR. SMART GUY". The Age. No. 26846. Victoria. 3 May 1941. p. 20. Retrieved 22 October 2017 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "PERMANENT DESIGNERS FOR THEATRE COMPANY". The Sydney Morning Herald. No. 32, 247. 6 May 1941. p. 10 (Women's Supplement). Retrieved 22 October 2017 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "MR. SMART GUY". The Sydney Morning Herald. No. 32, 252. 12 May 1941. p. 4. Retrieved 22 October 2017 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "Smart guy well done". The Daily Telegraph. Vol. II, no. 26. New South Wales, Australia. 11 May 1941. p. 5. Retrieved 26 September 2019 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "IN THE THEATRES". The Sydney Morning Herald. No. 32, 267. 29 May 1941. p. 18. Retrieved 22 October 2017 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "MUSIC AND DRAMA". The Sydney Morning Herald. No. 32, 335. 16 August 1941. p. 8. Retrieved 22 October 2017 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ ""MR SMART GUY" AT MINERVA". The Sydney Morning Herald. No. 32, 340. 22 August 1941. p. 7. Retrieved 22 October 2017 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "BROADCASTING". The Argus. Melbourne. 31 May 1941. p. 2. Retrieved 4 September 2012 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "Music AND DRAMA". The Sydney Morning Herald. No. 32, 269. 31 May 1941. p. 8. Retrieved 22 October 2017 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "IN THE THEATRES". The Sydney Morning Herald. No. 32, 279. 12 June 1941. p. 18. Retrieved 22 October 2017 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "Coppel's Success". The Sun. No. 11, 491 (LATE FINAL EXTRA ed.). Sydney. 21 November 1946. p. 9. Retrieved 22 October 2017 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "Sydney's Talking About—". The Sydney Morning Herald. 23 January 1947. p. 14. Retrieved 4 September 2012 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "new Murder play is excellent". Derby Evening Telegraph. 26 November 1946. p. 2.
- ^ "The Week In Wireless". The Age. No. 29308. Victoria, Australia. 2 April 1949. p. 8. Retrieved 27 April 2023 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ Chibnall, Stephen; McFarlane, Brian (23 October 2009). The British 'B' Film. Palgrave Macmillan. p. 123. ISBN 9781844575749.
- ^ "SMART ALEC". Monthly Film Bulletin. Vol. 18, no. 204. London. 1 January 1951. p. 253.
- ^ Vagg, Stephen (17 November 2020). "John Guillermin: Action Man". Filmink.