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 In Hangover Square George Harvey Bone (Laird Cregar) is a classical composer living in Hangover Square in London and suffering from periods of blackouts, disillusionments and dizziness. When Sir Henry Chapman (Alan Napier) invites George to finish a piece of music, George is ecstatic. When Sir Henry leaves, his daughter Barbara (Faye Marlowe) stays behind to be with George and he tells her he doesn't know how he spent the night on the streets.
Hollywood's early black and white horror films were the best for conjuring up intrigue and fear. Fox's Horror Classics Collection is at the top of the list. Making their debut on DVD, the 3-disc collection includes The Lodger (1942), Hangover Square (1945) and The Undying Monster (1942). Interestingly, it was Vincent Price who narrated this tales on the radio before they were made into movies.
John Brahm, Linda Darnell & Laird Cregar
Director John Brahm, who made more than 36 films or television productions (many with Alfred Hitchcock) over 31 years, was superb at layering every scene with suspicion and red herrings. Most everyone seems a suspect, and even more are slightly off-kilter.
Credit for these chillers must also go to the cinematographers - in this case Lucien Ballard and Joseph LaShelle - who worked their craft exceptionally well using dark shadows and just the right lighting to create terror. Of course none of the films would have impact without the great cast members including Laird Cregar, George Sanders, Merle Oberon, Cedric Hardwicke, and Linda Darnell.
George Sanders
A newspaper article reveals a murder was committed where George was, so he decides to see Dr. Allan Middleton (George Sanders), a doctor who works with the mind at Scotland Yard. There George confesses having mood swings his entire life when stressed. The doctor suggests George take a break from his music. He heads to a saloon where he becomes mesmerized by the saloon singer Netta (Linda Darnell). He writes a tune for her, and she and her friend Eddie (Glenn Langan) sell the song. Netta then pretends to care for George so he'll keep writing songs for her.
Alan Napier & Faye Marlowe
Conflict for George arises as he battles good girl and bad girl, and someone tries to strangle Barbara. When Netta ends up missing George again wonders if during his blackouts he's had something to do with her disappearance.
Laird Cregar
Music has a lot to do with this movie - setting the tone whether in normal moments or when horrible things are happening. George's final mood-swing concerto that drifts with solemn and melodic slow notes like a gentle wave easing itself onto a beach to the sounds of storm-tossed waves crashing on the sand is enthralling to watch
Special Features
€˘ Commentary by Film Historian/Screenwriter Steve Haberman and co-star Faye Marlowe talk about the film and that it was Laird Cregar's last movie before his death. They discuss the music, about Bone's split personality, script changes and Darryl F. Zanuck's reaction to them. Unfortuantely Haberman sounds as if he's reading the info, so it's rather dull. Marlowe gives her impression of Cregar and about her character.
€˘ Commentary by author and film historian Richard Schickel - who talks about the intention of the film, the setting, the characters and some of the plot points. Both commentaries offer interesting information, but a lot of it's repeated. At least Schickel's sounds spontaneous.
€˘ The Tragic Mask: The Laird Cregar Story - Author/film historian Gregory William Mank, author/photographer Mark Vieira, novelist/film critic Ken Newman talk about talk about Laird Cregar and how his short 5-year career was so incredible, and how his personal life worked against him, and about his death. Mank said, "He was a spellbinder who had this genius for illuminating the dark soul of the villains he played in the movie."
€˘ Hangover Square Vintage Radio Show - Performed by Vincent Price
Restoration Comparison
Still Gallery
Advertising Gallery
Trailer
Directors: John Brahm
Cast: Laird Cregar, Linda Darnell, Faye Marlowe, Alan Napier
Writers: screenplay - Barré Lyndon, novel - Patrick Hamilton
Rating: Not Rated (subject matter okay for 13 and older)
DVD Release Date: 10/09/2007
Classic Movie Guide Rating: 4 our of 5 stars
Run Time: 77 minutes
Studio: Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment
Format: Full - Black & White
Photos © Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment
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