A Lady Mislaid
A Lady Mislaid is a 1958 British comedy film directed by David MacDonald, featuring performances by Phyllis Calvert, Alan White, and Thorley Walters. The screenplay, penned by Frederick Gotfurt, adapts the 1948 theatrical work of the same title authored by Kenneth Horne.
Plot
Esther purchases a secluded countryside cottage and invites her sister Jennifer, a novelist, to visit. Unknown to Jennifer, the police had previously sought permission from Esther to investigate the premises in connection with the disappearance of the former owner's wife. When a skeleton is discovered in the chicken coop, initial suspicion targets the prior resident, Mr. Smith, but the remains are eventually identified as those of an ancient Briton.
Cast
- Phyllis Calvert as Esther Williams
- Alan White as Det. Sgt. Bullock
- Thorley Walters as Smith
- Gillian Owen as Jennifer
- Richard Leech as George
- Constance Fraser as Mrs. Small
- Sheila Shand Gibbs as Betty
The Monthly Film Bulletin remarked: "This effort at a brief comédie noire would benefit from darker and sharper humor to fully realize its potential. The use of typical characters and a slowing storyline produces a mild fantasy rather than the clever melodrama anticipated."
The Radio Times awarded the film two out of five stars, stating: "With an intriguing premise and a capable cast, this concise British programmer offers acceptable entertainment, though it lacks distinguishing features."