The Suspect (1944 film)

The Suspect is a 1944 film noir directed by Robert Siodmak, starring Charles Laughton, Ella Raines, and Dean Harens. The film is set in London in 1902 and tells the story of Philip Marshall (Laughton), a mild-mannered shopkeeper who becomes infatuated with a young typist named Mary Gray (Raines).

Marshall is trapped in a loveless marriage with his overbearing wife, Cora (Rosalind Ivan). When Cora refuses to grant him a divorce, and after she is found murdered, Philip becomes the prime suspect.

The film explores themes of repression, passion, and the consequences of societal expectations. The police, led by Inspector Huxley (Stanley Ridges), build a circumstantial case against Marshall. The central tension revolves around whether Marshall committed the crime and whether he will be caught.

The Suspect is known for its atmospheric cinematography, Laughton's nuanced performance, and its commentary on the social constraints of the Edwardian era. The film's ending is somewhat ambiguous, offering a glimpse into the complex moral dilemmas faced by the characters. It is considered a classic example of film noir.