The Mask Of Dimitrios

The Mask Of Dimitrios is a 1944 film-noir directed by Jean Negulesco based on the novel of the same name by Eric Ambler. The movie features an all-star cast including Peter Lorre, Sydney Greenstreet, and Zachary Scott.

The story is centered around an author named Cornelius Leyden (played by Lorre) who is travelling through Istanbul when he discovers the body of a notorious criminal named Dimitrios Makropoulos. Leyden becomes intrigued by Dimitrios' life and career as a criminal and decides to investigate and write a book about his life.

Dimitrios is a master of disguise and has faked his own death multiple times before, so Leyden's investigation into Dimitrios' past is anything but straightforward. As Leyden delves deeper into the criminal underworld to learn about Dimitrios, he encounters a cast of shady characters including a corrupt police inspector, a brothel madam, and an arms dealer.

Along the way, Leyden meets a wealthy socialite named Irana Preveza (played by Faye Emerson) who is also interested in learning about Dimitrios. The two form an unlikely alliance and work together to uncover the truth about the criminal mastermind.

The acting in The Mask Of Dimitrios is superb, particularly the performances of Lorre and Greenstreet. Lorre brings a perfect mix of curiosity and danger to his portrayal of Leyden, while Greenstreet is menacingly captivating as an enigmatic figure who may or may not be helping Leyden in his investigation.

The cinematography and direction are equally impressive, with stunning shots of Istanbul and expertly crafted suspenseful sequences. The film's use of flashbacks to explore Dimitrios' past adds depth and intrigue to the story, while also keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.

Overall, The Mask Of Dimitrios is a classic film-noir that offers a thrilling and intricate plot, stellar performances, and impressive direction. It is a must-see for fans of the genre and a great introduction for those new to film-noir.