At the Villa Rose (1940 film)

At the Villa Rose

Company type	Film
Industry	Film industry
Founded	1940
Headquarters	United Kingdom
Products	Detective film

At the Villa Rose, also recognized as House of Mystery, is a British detective film from 1940, directed by Walter Summers and featuring performances by Kenneth Kent and Judy Kelly. The screenplay, crafted by Doreen Montgomery, adapts the 1920 novel At the Villa Rose authored by A.E.W. Mason. This film marks the fourth cinematic interpretation of the novel and centers on the French sleuth Inspector Hanaud.

Plot

Following the murder of a wealthy widow, suspicion falls on her companion Celia, who vanishes along with the deceased's jewellery. The case is assigned to Inspector Hanaud, who spearheads the inquiry.

Cast

• Kenneth Kent portraying Inspector Hanaud
• Judy Kelly as Celia Harland
• Peter Murray-Hill in the role of Harry Wethermill
• Walter Rilla as Mr. Ricardo
• Ruth Maitland playing Madame Dauvray
• Antoinette Cellier as Adele Rossignol
• Clifford Evans in the role of Tace
• Martita Hunt as Helen Vaquier
• Ronald Adam portraying M. Besnard
• Arthur Hambling as M. Perrichet

Reception

The film received commendations from The Monthly Film Bulletin, which highlighted its cleverly constructed narrative, engaging suspense, and solid acting performances. Kenneth Kent’s depiction of Inspector Hanaud was particularly noted for its effectiveness, while Judy Kelly’s portrayal of Celia was described as charming. Although some supporting cast members faced challenges with French accents, the overall ensemble and authentic settings were praised.

Kine Weekly remarked on the film’s brisk and captivating opening set against the stylish backdrop of Aix-les-Bains. The review lauded both direction and acting for their faithful adaptation of the original story, producing a film with wide audience appeal complemented by excellent technical execution.

According to Picturegoer, while the melodrama maintained a reasonable level of suspense, certain plot developments lacked clarity at times. The critique acknowledged Kenneth Kent’s assured performance as the detective, Peter Murray-Hill’s dependable acting, and Judy Kelly’s emotionally resonant contribution.

In British Sound Films: The Studio Years 1928–1959, critic David Quinlan awarded the film a "good" rating, recognizing it as a well-executed third screen version of a dependable mystery narrative.

Allmovie characterized it as a "modest yet captivating British melodrama."