Blind Corner *** (1964, Barbara Shelley, William Sylvester, Elizabeth Shepherd, Alexander Davion, Mark Eden, Ronnie Carroll) – Classic Movie Review 13,706

Barbara Shelley stars as the murderously scheming adulterous wife of blind composer William Sylvester, in the 1964 British black and white second-feature crime thriller film Blind Corner.

‘She loved one man for kicks… one man for luxury… one man for murder.’ Mmm, busy lady!

Director Lance Comfort’s 1964 black and white second-feature crime thriller film Blind Corner is based on a story by Vivian Kemble, and stars William Sylvester, Barbara Shelley, Elizabeth Shepherd, with Alexander Davion, Mark Eden and “Guest Stars” Irish singer Ronnie Carroll and radio presenter Barry Alldis.

Blind Corner is another case history from the British B-movie crimebook with a plot as bizarre as they come: a conniving beautiful woman called Anne Gregory (Barbara Shelley) talks her struggling young artist lover Rickie Seldon (Alexander Davion) into murdering her rich husband Paul Gregory (William Sylvester), a blind pop composer who is planning to cut her out of his estate when he discovers her infidelity.

This is one you might think you could perhaps turn a blind eye to, but, no, it is ingeniously plotted, carefully constructed and well done, all quite entertaining. There’s a palpable rancid smell of lust, infidelity and betrayal in the air. It is fragrantly concocted, and just right for the story. The cast is attractive, giving appealing performances, and the capable Sylvester and the alluring Shelley carry on briskly and professionally as the disastrously married couple.

Barbara Shelley is a total class act as the wicked lady, relishing a role she seems perfect for, and splendidly gowned and coiffured throughout. Top billed star William Sylvester has a rather ungrateful role as the blind and jealous guy, but looks right and carries on confidently, and is convincing as a blind man. It is Barbara Shelley’s show, and both actors know it.

Elizabeth Shepherd is good too as the attractive and capable but less exotic secretary in love with her boss, and Mark Eden is fine as Paul Gregory’s chirpy and gossipy agent and friend. Alexander Davion looks a bit too old and not quite sexy enough to play the young artist lover but his acting is entirely competent, and he warms into the role as it goes along and the film picks up pace and plot.

Irish singer Ronnie Carroll croons out a couple of awful tunes (‘Blindcorner’ and ‘Where Ya Going’, both composed by Stan Butcher and Syd Cordell), the first one slushy and the second one a cramped and campy production number, accompanied by only three dancers (Joy Allen, Unity Greenwood, and Wendy Martin), having an amateurish go at the twist, among other moves (amusing choreography by Alan Meacham). These song breaks may add nostalgia appeal but they sure slow down the thriller, actually stopping it the twice.

Of course the Blakeley’s production is noticeably cheap and cheerful looking, but it is not too bad, smart enough with just a handful of economical sets in the studio at Pinewood and a tiny bit of outside filming, including the blissful last shot at Eldon Road, Kensington. And in any case this only adds to the low-budget second-feature attraction. Lance Comfort even brings a tiny bit of style to the direction, prowling round the few sets to stoke up tension.

The Main Theme is ‘Concerto’, composed by Peter Hart, which completely fails to put the audience in the mood for a crime thriller. What’s needed is something like ‘Man of Mystery’ from the Edgar Wallace Mysteries.

US title: Man in the Dark. It is advertised nonsensically on the US poster as ‘You’ll get your wildest shocks from the Man in the Dark’.

Blind Corner is directed by Lance Comfort, runs 80 minutes, is made by Mancunian Film and Blakeley’s Films, is released by Planet Film Distributors (UK) and Universal Pictures (US), is written by James Kelley [James Kelly] and Peter Miller, based on a story by Vivian Kemble, is shot in black and white by Basil Emmott, is produced by Tom Blakeley, is scored by Brian Fahey (musical arrangements / musical director), Peter Hart and Frank Patten (musical advisor), and is designed by John St John Earl.

The cast are William Sylvester as Paul Gregory, Barbara Shelley as Anne Gregory, Elizabeth Shepherd as Joan Marshall, Alexander Davion as Rickie Seldon, Mark Eden as Mike Williams, Ronnie Carroll as Ronnie, Barry Alldis as compere, Edward Evans as chauffeur, Frank Forsyth as policeman, Frederick Munday as second policeman. Pat Gorman as Studio Engineer, Marianne Stone, and Joy Allen, Unity Greenwood, and Wendy Martin as dancers.

Release date: 2 July 1964.

Barbara Shelley [Barbara Teresa Kowin] (13 February 1932 – 3 January 2021)

Barbara Shelley was admitted to hospital in December 2020, for a check-up and contracted COVID-19. She died of its complications on 3 January 2021, aged 88.

Barry Alldis (5 December 1930 – 21 November 1982). His Luxembourg/ Radio One radio catchphrases were ‘Your DJ, B.A’ and ‘Whether at home or on the highway, thanks for tuning my way’.

© Derek Winnert 2025 – Classic Movie Review 13,706

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