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Something strange I noticed about the Cast


The actors playing Father Tom and Shell - the two characters seen walking away from the scene at the end - both died in the same year this film was released (1947). I think both were really great actors, especially the one playing Shell (F. J. McCormick).

Other than James Mason, it is also great to see Robert Newton playing the painter in the film.

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Other than James Mason, it is also great to see Robert Newton playing the painter in the film.
I agree. It took me a minute or two to recognize Robert Newton when he was chasing Shell around the room. Then I suddenly remembered, "It's Long John Silver!".



I need my 1987 DG20 Casio electric guitar set to mandolin, yeah...

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I agree, F.J.McCormick was truy outstanding in this film. The whole cast is superb, the 'unknowns' more than holding their own alongside such huge names as Mason and Newton. That they were mostly theatre actors with fairly limited movie experience is a surprise as they all act in a quiet, naturalistic and very cinematic way that must have been quite alien to their stage training. Brilliant work. Great film on every level.

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Wonderful cast, with fine performances in almost every role. Mason, of course, was top notch, but what a supporting cast! My personal favorite performances were by F. J. McCormick as Shell, Elwyn Brook-Jones as Tober and especially Denis O'Dea as the Inspector. Each actor seemed to bring so many layers to and completely fill out his role. Credit must of course also go to Carol Reed for picking the right people and helping them to be as excellent as possible.

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