Green for Danger

Green for Danger is a 1946 British crime film directed by Sidney Gilliat and starring Alastair Sim, Sally Gray, and Trevor Howard. Set during WWII, the story revolves around a surgical ward in a hospital where a series of mysterious deaths occur, prompting an investigation by Scotland Yard.

The opening scene sets the tone for the film as a group of medical professionals and patients are sitting together in the mess hall. The kitchen staff is serving some food; however, the conversation being exchanged is much more interesting. It soon becomes clear that one particular person is causing all the tension — a newcomer named Nurse Linley (played by Sally Gray).

As the plot proceeds, multiple characters are introduced, including Dr. Barnes (Leo Genn), a surgeon and a war veteran, Sister Bates (Judy Campbell), the ward sister known for her efficiency, and Dr. White (Trevor Howard), an anesthetist with a suave demeanor who is admired by both the nurses and the doctors. However, on one fateful night in the ward, a patient dies mysteriously during a routine surgery. Inspector Cockrill (Alastair Sim) is called in to investigate the incident, and the mystery deepens.

The rest of the film is a suspenseful whodunit, which includes a series of murders and a conspiracy to cover them up. Every character is a suspect, and the viewers are kept on the edge of their seat, trying to figure out who the real killer is. The stakes become higher when Dr. Barnes is also found dead, and the detectives are forced to redouble their efforts.

The film's pacing is smooth and seamless, and leaves no room for distractions. The character development is also top-notch. Each character is given a chance to shine, and the actors deliver excellent performances. Alastair Sim is particularly outstanding as Inspector Cockrill, bringing his trademark wit and comedic timing to the role. He steals every scene he's in, and even though he's a supporting character, he dominates the film.

The tensions mount as evidence and suspects pile up. Green for Danger is a masterclass in crafting suspense in a crime film. The film's dark, brooding atmosphere is enhanced by the black-and-white photography, which is stark and evocative. The sets are excellent, providing an authentic wartime hospital experience. The film manages to keep the audience hooked from start to finish, and the climax is a fitting payoff for everything that's come before.

Overall, Green for Danger is a standout movie of the crime genre, and ranks as one of the best films to have come out of the United Kingdom in the 1940s. It's a gripping, unpredictable, and tightly crafted thriller that's sure to thrill every fan of the genre.