I really can't stand Charles Laughton. I've only seen one other film he's been in (The Mutiny On The Bounty), and his over-the-top, hammy performance nearly ruined the film. It's obvious to me, after watching this film, that he was your typical vain, self-aggrandizing stage actor, especially when you take into account his usurping Hitchcock's directorial mastery. Hitchcock, of all people! Apart from his performance, it's your typical Hitchcock (who has since gone on to claim this is one of his least favorite movie-making experiences) with a typical story shot with atypical deftness. It's probably hard to find a decent transfer of this film, and my DVD is no exception - there are parts where it's difficult to understand the rapid fire British delivery of dialogue, and some scene are so dark and scratchy that it's impossible to tell what's going on. But for a dollar, I can't hate on it too much. Here's another film that Critierion ought to take under it's wing and nurse back to proper viewing health. I would say this film is most notable for it's director's notoriety, and Maureen O'Hara's film debut (who, incidentally, was quite the looker when this film was made).