Dirk Bogarde and Margaret Lockwood “Cast a Dark Shadow”

Cast a Dark Shadow (1955) is a British suspense film directed by Lewis Gilbert and starring Dirk Bogarde and Margaret Lockwood. Other cast members include Kay Walsh, Kathleen Harrison, and Robert Flemying.

Edward “Teddy” Bare (Bogarde) has been married to a rich older woman Monica (Mona Washbourme) for a year. When he learns that she is planning to change her will, he murders her, making it look like an accidental death. After her death, he inherits the house but not her money which has gone to her sister Dora (Walsh).

After Monica‘s death, Teddy meets Freda Jeffries (Margaret Lockwood) at a seaside resort. He charms Freda and they marry.

Will Teddy murder again?

Lewis Gilbert (1920 – 2018) was an English film director. Gilbert was a child actor, but decided he wanted to direct. He went on to work with Alfred Hitchcock on Jamaica Inn (1939). During the Second World War, he worked with the Royal Air Force’s film unit, eventually working with U.S. Army Air Force motion picture unit where his commanding officer was William Keighley (The Man Who Came to Dinner), an American film director. Gilber went on the direct Sink the Bismark! (1961), Alfie (1966), and three James Bond movies: You Only Live Twice (1967), The Spy Who Loved Me (1977), and Moonraker (1979).

Dirk Bogarde (1921 – 1999) was an English actor who was a matinee idol early in his career with films such as So Long at the Fair (1950),  Doctor in the House (1954), The Spanish Gardener (1956), and Song Without End (1960). Later in his career he co-starred with Judy Garland in I Could Go On Singing (1963) and made The Servant (1963), Darling (1965) co-starring Julie Christie and Laurence Harvey, and A Bridge Too Far (1977).

Margaret Lockwood (1916 – 1990) was an English actress who began her career on the stage but gained fame as one of Britain’s most popular movie stars during the 1930s and 1940s. She had a starring role in Bank Holiday (1938), directed by Carol Reed. The movie was a huge success and made Lockwood a star. Next up would be The Lady Vanishes (1938), which brought her to the attention of Hollywood. Lockwood didn’t take to Hollywood and soon returned to England where she made a series of popular costume dramas including The Wicked Lady (1945) co-starring James Mason.

 

Cast a Dark Shadow trivia

• Charlotte’s automobile repaired by Edward is a 1950 Jaguar Mark V.
• The 200 pounds left Emmie is approximately $8,000 today.
• Margaret Lockwood had hoped her role in the film would revive her movie career.
• Dirk Bogarde persuaded Lockwood to co-star with him.
• The film was a modest success but it failed to revive Lockwood’s film career. Her next move was in 1976.

 

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Discussion questions

1. Would you classify this movie as a film noir? If yes, why?
2. What did you make of Dirk Bogarde’s characterization? Was he believable?
3. The film had a few plot twists. Did they surprise you?
4. Margaret Lockwood generally performed upper class characters. Her role as Freda was a woman of the lower classes. Was she convincing?
5. The supporting cast was strong. Did you have a favorite?
6. What do you make of the magazine Teddy was ready when he met Freda?
7. Did the ending surprise you? Was it satisfying?