The Third Secret (film)
| Company type | Film |
|---|---|
| Industry | Film industry |
| Founded | 1964 |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
| Products | Neo-noir psychological mystery thriller film |
The Third Secret is a 1964 British CinemaScope neo-noir psychological mystery thriller helmed by director Charles Crichton. The film features performances by Stephen Boyd, Jack Hawkins, Richard Attenborough, Diane Cilento, Pamela Franklin, Paul Rogers, and Alan Webb. Written by Robert L. Joseph, the screenplay centers on an American television news reporter investigating the enigmatic death of his psychoanalyst. The narrative delves into three distinct forms of secrets: those concealed from others, those hidden from oneself, and the ultimate revelation of truth.
Plot
Dr. Leo Whitset, a psychoanalyst based in London, is discovered at home with a fatal gunshot wound, murmuring the words, "blame no one but me." Although the coroner concludes it was suicide, Alex Stedman, an American TV news commentator and patient of Whitset, suspects foul play. Catherine, Whitset’s 14-year-old daughter, firmly believes her father was murdered and seeks Alex’s help to safeguard his legacy.
Catherine reveals the identities of three additional patients: Sir Frederick Belline, a judge; Alfred Price-Gorham, who owns an art gallery; and Anne Tanner, a secretary at a corporation. Each carries secrets known exclusively to Dr. Whitset. Pursuing the investigation, Alex visits Whitset’s countryside residence and discovers that Catherine was also undergoing treatment. When confronted, she confesses to having killed her father after he threatened to have her institutionalized due to her paranoid schizophrenia. During a reenactment of events, Catherine attacks Alex with a knife. She is subsequently admitted to a psychiatric facility, where Alex pledges ongoing support. The concealed truth was that Whitset had been in denial about the severity of his daughter’s condition, which delayed her receiving appropriate care.
Cast
- Stephen Boyd as Alex Stedman
- Jack Hawkins as Sir Frederick Belline
- Richard Attenborough as Alfred Price-Gorham
- Diane Cilento as Anne Tanner
- Pamela Franklin as Catherine Whitset
- Paul Rogers as Dr. Milton Gillen
- Alan Webb as Alden Hoving
- Rachel Kempson as Mildred Hoving
- Peter Sallis as Lawrence Jacks
- Patience Collier as Mrs. Pelton
- Freda Jackson as Mrs. Bales
- Judi Dench as Miss Humphries
- Peter Copley as Dr. Leo Whitset
- Nigel Davenport as Lew Harding
- Charles Lloyd-Pack as Dermot McHenry
- Barbara Hicks as Police Secretary
- Ronald Leigh-Hunt as Police Officer
- Geoffrey Adams as Floor Manager
- James Maxwell as Mark
- Gerald Case as Mr. Bickes
- Sarah Brackett as Nurse
- Neal Arden as Mr. Morgan
Production
Although initially cast in the role of a patient, Patricia Neal’s scenes were removed prior to the film’s release.
Director Charles Crichton remarked that he undertook the project mainly for employment but found it "quite an interesting picture." He further noted that after filming concluded, when the Zanuck family assumed control of Fox, much of the film’s more unconventional material was excised, which he believed diminished its overall impact.
Box-office
According to Fox's financial records, the movie required $1.3 million in rental income to break even but generated only $615,000, resulting in a monetary deficit.
Critical reception
The Monthly Film Bulletin characterized the film as a "muddled scribble," pointing out its lack of suspense and clarity despite containing intriguing aspects. While Richard Attenborough’s performance received praise, the overall execution was criticized.
Howard Thompson from The New York Times recommended the film primarily for viewers interested in Freudian psychology but described it as "pretentious" and "exasperating," though he acknowledged a compelling final twist.
Variety found the movie "engrossing" but felt it did not entirely succeed within its psychological thriller framework.
TV Guide awarded it 2½ stars, highlighting moments that surpassed the dialogue-heavy script and commending Pamela Franklin’s depiction of a troubled adolescent character.
Home video
The movie became available on DVD in the United States through 20th Century Fox in 2007 and later in the United Kingdom via Odeon Entertainment in 2012. Additionally, a Blu-ray edition was issued in the UK by Powerhouse Films in 2019.