Wanted for Murder (1946) | Directed by Lawrence Huntington

Wanted for Murder is a British psychological thriller about a charming but deeply disturbed man, Victor James Colebrooke, who harbors a dark secret—he is a serial killer compelled by a twisted obsession. When Victor falls in love with Anne Fielding, a woman who unknowingly stirs his humanity, his carefully concealed life begins to unravel. As Scotland Yard closes in on the mysterious killer, Victor faces a conflict between his desires, his crimes, and his growing feelings for Anne.

Genre: Psychological Thriller / Crime Drama

Director: Lawrence Huntington

Lawrence Huntington was a British director known for his work on atmospheric and character-driven thrillers. His films often delved into moral ambiguity and the psychological dimensions of crime. With Wanted for Murder, Huntington delivered a tense and haunting exploration of a killer’s psyche, solidifying his reputation as a skilled craftsman of the noir and thriller genres.

Star Cast:
Eric Portman as Victor James Colebrooke: A suave and intelligent man struggling with his dark compulsions.
Dulcie Gray as Anne Fielding: A kind and unsuspecting woman who becomes the object of Victor’s affections.
Derek Farr as Jack Allen: Anne’s straightforward and determined suitor who becomes suspicious of Victor.
Roland Culver as Chief Inspector Conway: The sharp detective leading the hunt for the killer.

Wanted for Murder was well-received by critics and audiences alike, praised for its chilling portrayal of a killer’s inner conflict and the suspenseful cat-and-mouse dynamic. Eric Portman’s performance as Victor was particularly lauded for its complexity, capturing both the character’s charm and his unsettling menace.

The film’s exploration of psychological tension, combined with its moody cinematography and sharp dialogue, made it a standout in the post-war British thriller genre. Though not as widely known as other classics of its time, Wanted for Murder has been recognized by fans of vintage crime dramas for its subtlety and depth.