Beware, My Lovely (1952): Xmas Film Noir UK

Beware, My Lovely (1952)

Director: Harry Horner

Starring: Ida Lupino, Robert Ryan, Taylor Holmes

USA / PG / 77mins

Based on an original story by suspense screenwriter Mel Dinelli (The Spiral Staircase, House by the River, The Reckless Moment), Beware, My Lovely tells the story of Helen Gordon (Ida Lupino), a widow who runs a lodging house. With an empty house, due to the Christmas Holiday, Helen hires handyman Howard Wilton (Robert Ryan) to help her clean and repair. Unbeknownst to Helen however, Howard is mentally deranged and subject to frequent blackouts. What seems start out as a calm and peaceful day turns incredibly quickly into a living nightmare for Helen.

With perfect performances by both Ryan and Lupino, produced by Ida Lupino’s very own production company, The Filmmakers, and directed by Harry Horner (father of future Oscar winning film composer James Horner) this very much forgotten noir gem is a nail biting thrill ride from the outset and doesn’t stop until the final shot…and all set during Christmas!

Presented in collaboration with BFI Film Audience Network.