by Bobby Jopsson
Tired of the everyday work hassle? Lost in the usual grind of arguing with the boss? Jaded having discovered every classic from the halcyon era of Hollywood’s Golden Age of the ’40? Nothing to left to discover in the widescreen ’50s? Come with me on a tour of the murkier corners of the Allan Fish Festival. Mind your step, you may trip over those nitrate canisters.
Here is exhibit one, for those who’ve longed for something of the outré, since sinister forces from the incomprehensible Planet Nielsen extinguished Mr. Rod Serling’s Twilight Zone. It’s a little masterpiece that gets lost among its lengthier cinematic siblings of 1943. Helmed by French maestro Julien Duvivier, on a forced sojourn away from his beloved country. Based upon Oscar Wilde’s 19th century novella, a hypnotic and breathless trip into the shadowy world where German Expressionism meets the darkest of noir sensibilities, it’s a rich but short (30 minutes) tour de force on the theme of predestination. The shimmering camera-work is the forgotten work of Stanley Cortez (The Magnificent Ambersons, Night of the Hunter). The supporting cast is rich and ripe of English vintage, headlined by Americans Mr. Edward G. Robinson and Mr. Thomas Mitchell. Sit down and just spool forward to the 26 minute mark:
Lord Arthur Saville’s Crime
Ahhh, that was refreshing. Prepare a martini whilst I spool by the next offering.
Well, here we are, ready of an offering worthy of Mr. Karloff’s long gone Thriller. It’s a small tale, based upon a BBC radio play with yet another master of lighting, Mr. Georges Périnal. It’s a supernatural yarn with a unique sensibility, a musical diction worthy of Powell and Pressburger. Directed by Wendy Toye, possibly the first great female director, it’s a fitting follow-up to her classic short film “The Stranger Left No Card”, with the same leading man. In its own quiet way, it’s sensationally good, such as the journey into the picture, saying more would spoil the dark enchantment.
Into the Picture
Click on names for archives
Writers/Founders
Wonders in the Dark 
Thanks for this fun post Bobby and these selections. I look forward to checking them out as they will turn out to be new discoveries for me.
The second link doesn’t work anymore but I am assuming the film is ‘The Golden Toy’?
Come with me on a tour of the murkier corners of the Allan Fish Festival. Mind your step, you may trip over those nitrate canisters.
Here is exhibit one, for those who’ve longed for something of the outré, since sinister forces from the incomprehensible Planet Nielsen extinguished Mr. Rod Serling’s Twilight Zone.
`I absolutely love your homey presentation, which pulls one right into this marvelously eclectic exercise! Two fantastic choices as well, and easily managed for those who haven’t the time for full-length features. Of course, your comparison of the second short to THRILLER, had me smiling, as (like you) it has always been one of my favorite television shows. And the reference point is most appropriate as well. Such a unique post here, and right in the spirit of what the festival hopes to accomplish, Bobby!
Here is an alternative link for “Into the Picture”:
https://uloz.to/file/9zbSv4UdPTe1/three-cases-of-murder-1955-karamazov-mp4#!ZGx2BGR1Z2AwAzD1MzL0MwEwZQD2ZJIHHTudqKAYFmOTZzWz
And another link to “Lord Arthur Saville’s Crime” without the annoying Russian pop-up:
https://uloz.to/file/hl2cCUw9l0WL/flesh-and-fantasy-al-margen-de-la-vida-1943-julien-duvivier-vose-vtv-avi#!ZGOvBQR2AwtmZwDmAQNmLGWyZwquMxkKZTj2nQIjIaymrGt2ZD==
Sachin, if you click the tortoise link on the right and do the four letter security link, it will download nicely onto your computer.
Thanks Sam, I’ve always loved the short form and doubly so years ago when I wanted more Twilight Zone excitement. I sent these to Alan years ago and he was going to add at least one of them to his book. The first story in “Flesh and Fantasy” is even more TZ with an ugly woman transformed by a mask. Others may also enjoy “Lord Mountdrago” with Welles and Badel which has it’s own hypnotic magic. The short story is a fantasy masterpiece by Somerset Maugham.
Thanks a lot Bobby
What a great, witty little piece of writing here.