The Ringer (1952 film)

The Ringer

Company type	Film
Industry	Film industry
Founded	1952
Headquarters	London , United Kingdom
Products	Mystery film

The Ringer is a 1952 British mystery film marking the directorial debut of Guy Hamilton. The cast includes Herbert Lom, Donald Wolfit, Mai Zetterling, Greta Gynt, William Hartnell, and Denholm Elliott. The screenplay was crafted by Lesley Storm and Val Valentine. This film represents the third English-language sound adaptation of Edgar Wallace's 1929 play, which itself is based on his 1925 novel The Gaunt Stranger. Earlier adaptations consist of a silent film from 1928 and sound versions released in 1931, 1932 (a German-Austrian production), and 1938.

Plot

Meister, an unscrupulous solicitor, receives threatening messages from "The Ringer," a mysterious figure known only to Meister and his wife as Henry Arthur Milton, who is adept at disguises. Milton holds Meister responsible for his sister’s drowning. Chief Inspector Bliss, recently returned from New York to Scotland Yard, teams up with Inspector Wembury to investigate events unfolding in Deptford.

Although Milton is presumed dead in Australia, his wife arrives in London bearing news that he is still alive. While the police keep Milton under surveillance, Meister enlists a former Cockney burglar to guard his home. At the same time, criminologist Dr. Lomond appears on the scene. Meister plots to prevent his secretary from leaving with her lover, John Lemley, who has recently been released from prison, even preparing false documents for an escape. Milton’s wife warns Meister to leave London as Lomond watches closely.

Meister sets a trap for Lemley by staging a burglary, but Lemley manages to evade capture after discovering the scheme. Meister dies by electrocution when attempting to retrieve air tickets rigged with an electric wire. The police find Australian whiskey and a firearm in Lomond’s possession. It is then revealed that Milton has impersonated Lomond after encountering him in Australia; using Milton’s widow as a diversion, he changes disguise and escapes, concluding with him accompanying her away in a police vehicle.

Cast

• Herbert Lom as Maurice Meister
• Donald Wolfit as Dr. Lomond
• Mai Zetterling as Lisa
• Greta Gynt as Cora Ann Milton
• William Hartnell as Sam Hackett
• Denholm Elliott as John Lemley
• Norman Wooland as Inspector Bliss
• Dora Bryan as Mrs. Hackett
• Charles Victor as Inspector Wembury
• Walter Fitzgerald as commissioner
• John Stuart as gardener
• John Slater as Bell
• Edward Chapman as stranger
• Campbell Singer as Station Sergeant Carter

Production

The film was shot at Shepperton Studios, located near London, featuring set designs by art director William Hutchinson.

Critical reception

The Monthly Film Bulletin characterized the movie as a conventional British thriller marked by theatrical settings and dialogue, noting that even with a strong ensemble led by William Hartnell, the narrative struggled to gain vitality.

Allmovie praised Donald Wolfit's portrayal, emphasizing his convincing depiction of a master of disguise.

TV Guide described it as an "old-fashioned melodrama featuring an excellent cast."

In British Sound Films: The Studio Years 1928–1959, critic David Quinlan rated the film as "average," recognizing the cast’s efforts in delivering a dated thriller.

See also

• The Ringer (1928)
• The Ringer (1931)
• The Ringer (Der Hexer, 1932)
• The Gaunt Stranger (1938)
• Der Hexer (1964)