Screen Directors Playhouse: White Corridors (1956)
*** (out of 4)
American Ellen (Linda Darnell) drops her sick friend off at a strange London hospital and before long she witnesses a doctor murdering a patient. She couldn't see who exactly did it but there are only two doctors (John Bentley, Scott Forbes) in the place and whichever one is guilty isn't about to let Ellen leave. I was really surprised to see how effective this entry in the series was. It comes from director Ted Post who has many famous films under his belt including HANG 'EM HIGH, BENEATH THE PLANET OF THE APES as well as several episodes of The Twlight Zone. His direction is certainly a major factor here because he brings the film a creepy atmosphere and so strong of one that I'd say it's one of the most impressive from any television show. I really enjoyed how dark the film actually was and the cinematography really likes to use shadows to help build up the atmosphere as well. There are some very effective moments throughout including the murder sequence but also towards the end when Darnell comes under attack. Darnell does a very good job in the lead as she's perfectly believable as this frightened woman trying to stay alive. Both Bentley and Forbes do a nice job at not only looking guilty at times but also being able to play the good guy. The mystery of who did the killer is held tightly and neither give it away. Virginia Field and Patricia Hitchcock appear in supporting roles. Fans of murder/mysteries will certainly want to check this film out as it's strong enough to where it could have easily been expanded into a feature.
*** (out of 4)
American Ellen (Linda Darnell) drops her sick friend off at a strange London hospital and before long she witnesses a doctor murdering a patient. She couldn't see who exactly did it but there are only two doctors (John Bentley, Scott Forbes) in the place and whichever one is guilty isn't about to let Ellen leave. I was really surprised to see how effective this entry in the series was. It comes from director Ted Post who has many famous films under his belt including HANG 'EM HIGH, BENEATH THE PLANET OF THE APES as well as several episodes of The Twlight Zone. His direction is certainly a major factor here because he brings the film a creepy atmosphere and so strong of one that I'd say it's one of the most impressive from any television show. I really enjoyed how dark the film actually was and the cinematography really likes to use shadows to help build up the atmosphere as well. There are some very effective moments throughout including the murder sequence but also towards the end when Darnell comes under attack. Darnell does a very good job in the lead as she's perfectly believable as this frightened woman trying to stay alive. Both Bentley and Forbes do a nice job at not only looking guilty at times but also being able to play the good guy. The mystery of who did the killer is held tightly and neither give it away. Virginia Field and Patricia Hitchcock appear in supporting roles. Fans of murder/mysteries will certainly want to check this film out as it's strong enough to where it could have easily been expanded into a feature.