A Criminal at Large 1939
Directed by the master of suspense Anthony Mann, *A Criminal at Large (1939)* plunges viewers into a gothic whodunit thick with aristocratic intrigue and shadowy betrayals.
Director: Anthony Mann
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is A Criminal at Large (1939) about?
Set in a stately English manor, the film follows Isla Crane, a reluctant heiress pressured to marry her cousin. Her unease grows when she's locked in her room by two suspicious footmen, and a chauffeur's strangled body exposes a web of aristocratic deceit.
Who directed A Criminal at Large?
Anthony Mann, known for his atmospheric thrillers and later Westerns like *The Furies*, helmed this early crime mystery.
Who stars in A Criminal at Large?
Leading roles include Nance O'Neil as Lady Lebanon, Charles K. Gerrard as Lord William, and Dennis Hoey as one of the ominous footmen.
Is A Criminal at Large (1939) worth watching?
Despite its modest runtime, the film delivers sharp suspense and period atmosphere, though it's overlooked compared to Mann's later works. Crime fans will appreciate its tight plotting and eerie setting.
How long is A Criminal at Large?
The film runs 60 minutes, making it a concise and engaging watch for classic thriller lovers.
About A Criminal at Large (1939) — A Golden Age Crime Thriller with Hidden Twists
Directed by the master of suspense Anthony Mann, *A Criminal at Large (1939)* plunges viewers into a gothic whodunit thick with aristocratic intrigue and shadowy betrayals. At the heart of the story lies Marks Priory, where Lady Lebanon schemes to wed her son Lord William to his cousin Isla Crane—yet Isla's resistance is matched only by her growing terror of the household's sinister footmen. When a village dance ends in murder, strangled by an Indian scarf, the eerie atmosphere crackles with dread and hidden motives.
This crisp, 60-minute thriller blends classic crime tropes with Mann's signature tension, weaving themes of trust and deceit among England's upper crust. The claustrophobic setting and unsettling power dynamics make *A Criminal at Large* a forgotten gem for fans of Golden Age mysteries, where every smile could hide a threat.