Salient: An Organ of Student Opinion at Victoria College, Wellington, N.Z. Vol. 11, No. 10, August 18th, 1948
The October Man
The October Man
J. Arthur Rank presents—this time an absorbing drama in the guise of a mystery. The mystery is grand and the suspense is held throughout the film. It could be said that the plot is obvious, but this can be overruled by the fact that the audience gripped their seats to the end.
The title, "October Man," is rather misleading. It is strange that the murdered girl (she was the "June" girl played by Kay Walshe) should find out that he is the "October Man." and this is the only reference to October. Why should this come into the plot at all? I rather suspect that Eric Ambler is interested in the study of astrology and the like, but it still leaves one in the air as to the reason for its inclusion. Thinking a little further into the plot we can come to the possible solution that October is destined to become lucky as the stars foretell.
The plot simply revolves around a nervous condition produced by a severe accident. The world appears aggressive (is it not so at any time?) and Mr. Ackland several times has the urge to commit suicide by jumping in front of a train.
The small details, one of which is the knotting of the handkerchief, helps to prove effectively that perhaps Mr. Ackland did commit the murder.
The facts leading to the finding of the real murderer were a little vague though good dramatically.
The acting of John Mills was good. He never slipped at all, and was most impressive. The facial expressions combined with the photography made it seem as though Mills was really going through the agonies of a man faced by insanity.
Eric Ambler has adapted well to the screen, and his theory is put over well, even though it may be a much-worn one.