1942's "Mystery of Marie Roget" was not only Poe's sequel to "Murders in the Rue Morgue," but also Universal's. Leon Ames' Pierre Dupin, medical student, is now Dr. Paul Dupin, a rare leading role for the likable Patric Knowles, fresh from "The Wolf Man," the story set in 1889 Paris (1932's "Rue Morgue" was set in 1845 Paris). The nominal star, Maria Montez, on the cusp of stardom, doesn't have much of a showcase as the scheming, one-dimensional Marie Roget, who wants her younger sister Camille (Nell O'Day) dead before her 21st birthday. Missing for 10 days and presumed dead by the authorities, Marie doesn't exactly endear herself to anyone after she suddenly turns up, unwilling to divulge where she'd been; is it any surprise that she winds up murdered instead of Camille? Also from "The Wolf Man," Maria Ouspenskaya again proves a scene stealer, barking demands with a slinky leopard by her side. The low key Knowles makes a rather unorthodox detective, using forensics and grave robbing to find the proper solution (a shame there are too few suspects). The excellent supporting cast also includes John Litel, Lloyd Corrigan, Charles Middleton, Reed Hadley, and Frank Reicher. Curiously, although part of television's SHOCK! Package, "Mystery of Marie Roget" never aired on Pittsburgh's Chiller Theater, but did appear on channel 11 annually during the 1980s, after CT had come to an end by Jan 1 1984.
Review of Mystery of Marie Roget
