Apparently, this story is based on a real murder that occurred in 1827. At the time, the public was really fascinated with the case...so much so that various plays and stories were written about it. The film, interestingly, is told like a play and you see it introduced like a play. And, like a play, the acting is a bit broad and hammy. This might have been acceptable or even expected during the reign of William IV or Victoria, but when seen today it is clearly overacted....especially by Tod Slaughter in the lead. He over annunciates and overdoes many of his lines...to the point where you NEVER forget this is a play or a film. And, as a result, it's very stuffy and dull.
The basic kernel of a story is good and might be worth seeing in a film...but not this one. It's just too obsolete and folks today would blanch at having to see it!
The basic kernel of a story is good and might be worth seeing in a film...but not this one. It's just too obsolete and folks today would blanch at having to see it!