The House of the Arrow (1953 film)

The House of the Arrow

Company type	Film
Industry	Film industry
Founded	1953
Founder	Michael Anderson (director)
Products	Mystery film

The House of the Arrow is a 1953 British mystery film helmed by director Michael Anderson and featuring performances from Oskar Homolka, Robert Urquhart, and Yvonne Furneaux. The screenplay, penned by Edward Dryhurst, represents the fourth cinematic interpretation of A. E. W. Mason's 1924 novel The House of the Arrow, which centers on the French detective Inspector Hanaud.

Plot

When Madame Harlowe designates her adopted niece, Betty Harlowe, as the beneficiary of her estate, her brother-in-law Boris Wabersky becomes enraged. Boris accuses Betty of murdering Madame Harlowe to claim the inheritance. Inspector Hanaud investigates and connects the death to a series of recent poison pen letters circulating in Dijon, ultimately uncovering that Madame Harlowe was killed by a poisoned arrow.

Cast

• Oskar Homolka portraying Inspector Hanaud
• Robert Urquhart as Jim Frobisher
• Yvonne Furneaux in the role of Betty Harlowe
• Josephine Griffin as Ann Upcott
• Harold Kasket playing Boris Wabersky
• Pierre Lefevre as Detective Maurice Thevenet
• Pierre Chaminade in the role of Detective Moreau
• Jacques Cey as Police Commissaire Giradot
• Keith Pyott portraying Gaston, the butler
• Andrea Lea as Francine, the maid
• Rene Leplay as Hanaud's Clerk
• Anthony Nicholls as Lawyer Jarrett
• Ruth Lodge in the role of Nurse Jeanne Baudin

Critical reception

The Monthly Film Bulletin observed that this adaptation sacrifices much of the novel’s original suspense, with generally uninspired direction and performances; however, Oskar Homolka’s portrayal infused energy into Inspector Hanaud. Kine Weekly lauded the film for its polished and captivating mystery narrative, enhanced by atmospheric accordion music and Homolka’s fitting casting.

In British Sound Films: The Studio Years 1928–1959, David Quinlan awarded the film a "good" rating, noting its adept combination of humor and suspense with Homolka standing out prominently. According to Allmovie, Homolka’s commanding performance distinguishes this version from previous adaptations. Britmovie praised Michael Anderson’s direction for effectively merging noir tension with Hanaud’s wit and commended Homolka’s lead alongside a strong supporting cast delivering convincing Anglo-French characterizations in this well-crafted thriller.