Man in the Attic (1953) | A mystery thriller film directed by Hugo Fregonese.

"Man in the Attic" is a 1953 mystery thriller film directed by Hugo Fregonese. It's a loose adaptation of Marie Belloc Lowndes' 1913 novel "The Lodger," which was previously adapted for the screen in Alfred Hitchcock's 1927 film of the same name. "Man in the Attic" stars Jack Palance in the lead role and is set in Victorian-era London.

Plot Summary:
The story is set in 1888 London during the time of the Jack the Ripper murders. Jack Palance plays Mr. Slade, a mysterious and reclusive pathologist who rents a room in the home of the Buntings—Mr. and Mrs. Bunting (played by Byron Palmer and Frances Bavier). The Buntings are struggling financially, and they welcome the extra income from their new lodger, despite the oddities surrounding him.

As the story progresses, the Buntings become increasingly suspicious of Slade's peculiar behavior. Slade, who spends much of his time in the attic conducting experiments and dissecting animals, becomes a subject of intrigue and concern. Meanwhile, the city is on edge due to the gruesome murders committed by Jack the Ripper, and the Buntings begin to wonder if their lodger could be the infamous killer.

The plot thickens when their niece, Lily Bonner (Constance Smith), becomes romantically involved with a police inspector named Paul Warwick (Rhys Williams) who is investigating the Ripper murders. As suspicions about Slade grow, the tension in the household escalates, and the film builds towards a climax that reveals the true nature of the man in the attic.

Key Themes:
1. Mystery and Suspense: The film is built on a foundation of mystery and suspense, with the audience and characters alike questioning the true identity and motives of the man in the attic.

2. Jack the Ripper Theme: The backdrop of the Jack the Ripper murders adds a layer of historical and psychological tension to the narrative, contributing to the overall atmosphere of suspense and fear.

3. Victorian London Setting: The film captures the atmospheric setting of Victorian London, complete with gas lamps, cobblestone streets, and the dark, foreboding architecture of the era.

4. Psychological Thriller Elements: "Man in the Attic" incorporates psychological thriller elements, exploring the psychological toll of living in fear and suspicion, both for the Buntings and the broader community.

Production and Reception:
The film is notable for its atmospheric cinematography and Jack Palance's intense performance as the mysterious lodger. The Victorian setting is effectively brought to life, providing a backdrop that enhances the film's mood and tension.

While not as critically acclaimed as Hitchcock's 1927 adaptation of the same source material, "Man in the Attic" has found its place among fans of classic suspense and mystery films. Palance's portrayal of the enigmatic lodger is a highlight, and the film remains an intriguing entry in the Jack the Ripper subgenre of thriller cinema.

In summary, "Man in the Attic" is a psychological thriller set against the backdrop of the Jack the Ripper murders, featuring a mysterious lodger whose presence creates an atmosphere of tension and suspense in Victorian-era London.