Alastair Sim is at his very best, playing the ghostly inspector, interviewing an upper-class family, in pre-First World War England. His masterful acting, combined with a brilliant cast and a script that is extremely believable, ensures that this gripping film holds the viewer's attention, right from start to finish, with that little extra susprise at the conclusion!
I do very much admire Bryan Forbes' portrayal of the alcoholic, uppper-class "boy" ("but he's only a boy", as his mother assures the inspector), while the father is absolutely convinced there won't be a war (perhaps he also believed the Titanic was unsinkable).
Each of the family has a story to tell about how their debauch, aristocratic lives affected a young girl; a girl who was seen as no more than a nuisance and a lower class worker, with no rights and no class. They claim the moral high ground, while their money supports their lifestyle of carefree, happy and irresponsible simplicity; they have wealth and status! The poor girl, eventually, dies under tragic and dubious circumstances and so it is that the eerie inspector calls on the upper-class family. Will his questioning reveal the truth? What IS the truth? Wait until the conclusion to find out and make up your own mind!
Even those that are not inclined to the quality of classic, British films, will find this a story that will command their attention and leave them wanting more!
I have been waiting for a long time, to add this brilliant film to my collection. I am extremely glad to see it is, at long last, being re-released.