SYNOPSIS:"And Then There Were None" (1945) is a gripping mystery thriller based on Agatha Christie's acclaimed novel. The film unfolds as ten strangers are mysteriously invited to a remote island under false pretenses, each believing they are there for different reasons. As they settle in, they discover they have been gathered by an unseen host who accuses each of them of a past crime. With no way to leave the island, they soon realize they are trapped and at the mercy of a methodical killer among them.

The ensemble cast features key players who bring Christie's characters vividly to life. Barry Fitzgerald portrays Judge Francis J. Quinncannon, a stern and authoritative figure who attempts to maintain order among the increasingly panicked guests. Walter Huston shines as Dr. Edward G. Armstrong, a confident and slightly arrogant physician whose past mistakes come back to haunt him.

Louis Hayward portrays the dashing Philip Lombard, a mercenary soldier with a dark past and a reputation for danger. June Duprez plays Vera Claythorne, a cool-headed and resourceful former governess who becomes increasingly unnerved by the unfolding events. Roland Young portrays the nervous and jittery Judge Arthur Cannon, whose guilt-ridden demeanor adds tension to the group dynamics.

The suspenseful atmosphere is enhanced by the haunting cinematography of Lucien Ballard, who captures the eerie isolation of the island and the characters' growing paranoia. Directed by René Clair, known for his deft handling of suspense and atmosphere, the film maintains a tense pace as the guests' numbers dwindle and suspicions rise.

With its ensemble cast and masterful direction, "And Then There Were None" remains a classic example of the mystery thriller genre, showcasing Agatha Christie's timeless ability to weave intricate plots and unforgettable characters into a suspenseful and unforgettable cinematic experience.

PLOT Spoiler Alert: "And Then There Were None" unfolds with ten strangers, each burdened by a dark secret from their past, receiving invitations to a secluded mansion on a remote island off the coast of Devon. Upon their arrival, they find their mysterious host, Mr. U.N. Owen, absent, and as they settle in, a chilling gramophone recording accuses each of them of crimes they have committed, crimes that have gone unpunished by the law.

The tension escalates when the first guest dies under suspicious circumstances, following the pattern of the nursery rhyme "Ten Little Soldiers." As more deaths ensue, the remaining guests realize they are trapped on the island with a murderer in their midst. Paranoia grips them, and suspicions abound as they struggle with their own guilt and fear of impending doom.

Dr. Edward Armstrong, Judge Francis J. Quinncannon, Philip Lombard, a dashing and dangerous mercenary soldier; and Vera Claythorne, a composed and resourceful former governess, form an uneasy alliance. Together, they attempt to uncover the identity of the killer before they all meet the same fate.

"And Then There Were None" stands as a classic mystery thriller, praised for its faithful adaptation of Agatha Christie's intricate plot and its portrayal of suspense and psychological tension. The film's conclusion, which diverges slightly from the novel but maintains its impact, underscores Christie's skill in crafting suspenseful narratives that continue to captivate audiences. The climax delivers a shocking revelation about the murders and the true identity of Mr. U.N. Owen, leaving both the characters and the audience stunned.

PRODUCTION: "And Then There Were None," directed by René Clair and produced by Harry M. Popkin for Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation, stands as a landmark adaptation of Agatha Christie's renowned novel. René Clair, known for his adeptness in blending suspense with wit, was chosen to bring Christie's intricate plot to the screen, while Dudley Nichols, a seasoned screenwriter, undertook the challenging task of adapting Christie's complex narrative for film.

The production of "And Then There Were None" was marked by meticulous attention to detail, particularly in capturing the isolated and foreboding atmosphere of the novel's setting—a remote island off the coast of Devon. Cinematographer Lucien Ballard's work played a crucial role in creating the film's tense ambiance, using shadows and lighting to heighten the suspense as the characters' paranoia deepens.

The film's production design, overseen by art director James Basevi and set decorator Thomas Little, recreated the mansion and its eerie surroundings with meticulous accuracy, enhancing the film's visual impact and contributing to its atmospheric tension. Costumes designed by René Hubert reflected the characters' diverse backgrounds and personalities, from the polished appearance of the judge to the practical attire of the doctor and the elegant dresses of the governess.

René Clair's direction emphasized suspense and psychological drama, capturing the characters' increasing paranoia and mistrust as they confront their past crimes and face the deadly consequences on the island.

The adaptation stayed true to Christie's original narrative structure while making necessary adjustments for the cinematic medium, ensuring that the essence of the novel's mystery and surprise ending remained intact.

RELEASE: Released in 1945, "And Then There Were None" captivated audiences and critics alike with its suspenseful atmosphere, clever adaptation, and strong performances, solidifying its place as one of the most successful adaptations of Agatha Christie's work during the classic Hollywood era.

Critics praised the film for its faithful adaptation of Christie's novel and its effective use of suspense and atmosphere. The Hollywood Reporter lauded the film, stating, "René Clair's direction and Dudley Nichols' screenplay masterfully bring Agatha Christie's suspenseful tale to life on the screen." The review highlighted Clair's ability to maintain suspense and intrigue throughout the film, supported by Nichols' skillful adaptation that preserved the essence of Christie's narrative while enhancing its cinematic impact.

Released amidst the post-World War II era, "And Then There Were None" resonated with audiences looking for gripping storytelling and psychological depth. Its success at the box office and positive critical reception solidified its status as a classic in the mystery thriller genre. The film's atmospheric cinematography, overseen by Lucien Ballard, and meticulous production design, created by James Basevi and Thomas Little, further enhanced its visual appeal and contributed to its enduring popularity among audiences.

Overall, "And Then There Were None" stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of Agatha Christie's storytelling and the skillful adaptation brought to life by René Clair, Dudley Nichols, and a talented ensemble cast. Its legacy continues to influence and inspire adaptations of Christie's work, ensuring its place in cinematic history as a masterful example of suspenseful storytelling and compelling character drama.

CAST:

• Barry Fitzgerald as Judge Francis J. Quinncannon

• Walter Huston as Dr. Edward Armstrong

• Louis Hayward as Philip Lombard

• Roland Young as Detective William Henry Blore

• June Duprez as Vera Claythorne

• Mischa Auer as Prince Nikita Starloff

• C. Aubrey Smith as General Sir John Mandrake

• Judith Anderson as Emily Brent

• Richard Haydn as Thomas Rogers

• Queenie Leonard as Ethel Rogers

• Harry Thurston as Fred Narracott

CREW:

• Director: René Clair

• Producer: Harry M. Popkin

• Writer: Dudley Nichols (screenplay), Agatha Christie (novel)

• Cinematographer: Lucien N. Andriot

• Editor: Harvey Manger

• Music: Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco

• Art Director: Ernst Fegté

Production Company: René Clair Productions
Distributor: Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation

Release Date: October 31, 1945
Country of Origin: United States
Running Time: 97 minutes
Budget: $1 million
Box Office Return: $1 million

IMDB Rating =  7.4 / 10

TRIVIA:

• Agatha Christie herself reportedly praised René Clair's adaptation of her novel, particularly the film's atmospheric setting and faithful adaptation of the intricate plot.

• The film's title and storyline were controversial due to the nursery rhyme upon which it is based, which has undergone several title changes over the years to reflect changing sensibilities.

• René Clair's decision to change the ending from Christie's original novel was met with mixed reactions but added to the film's suspenseful and unexpected conclusion.

• In recent years, it has come to light that much of Agatha Christie's plot appears to have been inspired by a little-known 1930 play by Owen Davis titled "The Ninth Guest," which utilized the same framework of people being brought together by an unknown host who proceeds to kill them one by one.

• The poem "Ten Little Indian Boys" is a central element in the story, with each verse correlating to a murder in the plot.

• Emily Brent's (Dame Judith Anderson's) quote "Those whom the gods would destroy..." is from the Greek dramatist Euripides, and "The wicked flee..." is from the Book of Proverbs.

• Agatha Christie's novel has been adapted numerous times for film and television, making it one of the most adapted novels ever.

• Included among the American Film Institute's 2001 list of 400 movies nominated for the top 100 Most Heart-Pounding American Movies.

• Mr. Owen's identity is foreshadowed twice during the film, adding to its suspenseful storytelling.

• The character Vera Claythorne's role was altered from the novel to make her innocent in the film adaptation.

And Then There Were None remains a classic example of a tightly woven mystery thriller, celebrated for its suspenseful plot twists, atmospheric setting, and memorable performances that captivate audiences even decades after its release.