The Gaunt Stranger

The Gaunt Stranger is a classic British mystery film, released in 1938, that will keep the audience guessing until its very end. The movie opens with a young lawyer named Gilbert Webster (Sonnie Hale) being hired by the rich and enigmatic Mrs. Chichester (Amy Veness) to help her investigate a case of blackmail. Mrs. Chichester is being threatened by an unknown person who signs his letters "The Gaunt Stranger", and she is afraid that her dark secrets will be exposed.

Webster is soon joined by his friend and fellow lawyer, Franklyn (Wilfrid Lawson), who contributes a witty and cynical edge to the investigation. They also team up with a young journalist, Angela Worthington (Louise Henry), who is eager to uncover the truth and write a sensational story.

The trio follows a series of clues that lead them to a number of intriguing suspects, including a seedy nightclub owner, a blackmail victim, and a mysterious painter. As the investigation progresses, they begin to realize that everyone seems to have a motive for blackmailing Mrs. Chichester. The plot twists and turns as they uncover more secrets, including family feuds, hidden relationships, and a tragic past that connects all of the characters.

The Gaunt Stranger features a strong ensemble cast that gives memorable performances. Sonnie Hale is charming and dashing as the lead character, Gilbert Webster, and he brings a sense of earnestness to his role. Wilfrid Lawson, on the other hand, steals the show with his sharp-tongued wit and dry humor as Franklyn. He adds some much-needed levity to the proceedings and his chemistry with Hale is delightful.

Louise Henry is also excellent as Angela Worthington, the plucky young journalist who is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery. She brings a sense of spunk and intelligence to her role, and her chemistry with both Hale and Lawson is palpable.

Furthermore, Anthony Kimmins' direction is top-notch, creating a tense and atmospheric mood throughout the film. He skillfully weaves together the various plot threads, keeping the audience on their toes and guessing until the very end.

The Gaunt Stranger is a classic example of British cinema of its time. The attention to detail, the nuances of the plot, and the wry humor are all hallmarks of this era of filmmaking. This movie is sure to entertain anyone who loves a good mystery.