
Mantrap 1953
"Scotland Yard warns private eye to reveal the whereabouts of the Man in Hiding."
In Terence Fisher's taut 1953 thriller Mantrap, a man wrongly branded criminally insane breaks free from an asylum, desperate to reclaim his name and freedom.
Director: Terence Fisher
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mantrap (1953) about?
The film follows a man wrongly locked away in an asylum who escapes to prove his sanity and uncover the true murderer. With the help of a private detective, he digs into secrets kept by his wife and her employer, exposing lies that bind a community in guilt.
Who directed Mantrap?
Terence Fisher, a master of atmospheric British thrillers, directed the film. He is best known for his work in horror and crime cinema, shaping the suspenseful tone of Mantrap.
Who stars in Mantrap?
The cast includes Paul Henreid as the wronged fugitive, Lois Maxwell as his wife, and Kieron Moore as the enigmatic employer Maurice Jerrard, supported by Hugh Sinclair and Anthony Forwood in pivotal roles.
Is Mantrap (1953) worth watching?
Though officially unrated, Mantrap delivers the sharp pacing and moral complexity of classic noir. If you enjoy tightly wound crime dramas with psychological depth and atmospheric dread, this lesser-known Fisher gem is well worth tracking down.
How long is Mantrap?
The runtime is 73 minutes, a brisk and immersive noir experience perfect for a single viewing.
🎥 Trailer
About Mantrap (1953) — A Noir Thriller of Wrongful Conviction and Hidden Truths
In Terence Fisher's taut 1953 thriller Mantrap, a man wrongly branded criminally insane breaks free from an asylum, desperate to reclaim his name and freedom. Teaming up with a skeptical private eye, Hugo Bishop, the fugitive follows clues that lead him back to those closest to the original crime—his wife and her employer. As shadows lengthen across post-war London, the pair navigate a web of half-truths where suspicion clings tighter than fog to the Thames.
With its moody noir palette and breathless chase sequences, Mantrap (1953) probes the fragility of justice and the cost of secrets buried in polite society. The chemistry between Paul Henreid's brooding fugitive and Lois Maxwell's watchful socialite crackles against a backdrop of dimly lit corridors and flickering street lamps, creating an atmosphere thick with dread and moral ambiguity.