William Dieterle shows his talents as a director once again.

The plot of this is not particularly unique in any way, but what makes this picture work is how well the townsfolk are woven into the story. There’s an interesting mix of characters, each adding various threads how these everyday people participate in the town's goings-on, making the small-town setting feel alive and bustling. This seamless integration of a slew of believable characters really aids the plot, turning what could’ve…

I specifically watched this because John Gilling directed this crime drama.

Jayne Mansfield!

Yes, she stars in it, playing a crime group boss in a style reminiscent of Genevieve Tobin in the far superior 1938 British thriller Kate Plus Ten (also known as Queen of Crime). That film featured Jack Hulbert, whereas The Challenge has the far less spirited Anthony Quayle.

Mansfield’s acting here is weak. She doesn’t even bring the vibrant allure of Genevieve Tobin, so why bother with…

Part of my list of movies with the word MURDER in their titles

At the one hour 50 minute mark of this film, Poirot (Albert Finney) halfway through his 8 pages of script grilling the suspects of this murder mystery abruptly sits down adjacent to a small round table and pours himself a small glass of water from a pitcher on the table. He takes the water and drinks it down so much in character that there isn't a bit…

Peggy Ashcroft is only in this for several minutes, but evinces why this film is so effective: she is so believable and makes the viewer elicit so much empathy for her as she puts herself in some harm's way to aid Richard Hannay, the protagonist in this so well portrayed by Robert Donat.

Other supporting players really shine in their parts in this, too: John Laurie (of later Dad's Army fame) ably plays Ashcroft's crofter husband; Wylie Watson (as Mr.…