Green for Danger Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A bunch of doctors and nurses in a WWII hospital kill a postman and then each other because they are stressed from bombs and love triangles, and a goofy detective messes everything up.

🍿 Green for Danger: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Mysterious Death

During the Blitz in WWII England, a postman named Joseph Higgins is admitted to Heron’s Park Hospital after being injured by a V-1 bomb. While undergoing a relatively minor surgery, he unexpectedly dies on the operating table. The attending staff includes surgeon Mr. Eden, anesthetist Dr. Barnes, and nurses Linley, Sanson, and Woods. The death is initially deemed accidental, but suspicion soon arises.

A Nurse’s Accusation and Subsequent Murder

Sister Bates, one of the nurses present during Higgins’ surgery, publicly announces at a hospital social event that she believes Higgins was murdered and claims to possess evidence. Later that night, she is found stabbed to death in the operating theatre. This confirms the suspicion of foul play and brings Inspector Cockrill of Scotland Yard into the investigation. The pressure rises as the remaining staff become prime suspects.

Inspector Cockrill’s Investigation

Inspector Cockrill, a wry and unconventional detective, arrives at Heron’s Park to investigate the two deaths. He interviews each member of the hospital staff, uncovering personal secrets, romantic entanglements, and professional rivalries. Dr. Barnes, already haunted by a past incident of a patient dying under anesthesia, becomes a major suspect. As Cockrill digs deeper, he discovers that the missing poisonous pills and the theatre atmosphere contribute to the mystery.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Inspector Cockrill (Alastair Sim): A wry and insightful Scotland Yard Inspector who investigates the suspicious deaths at a rural hospital during WWII.
• Nurse Linley (Sally Gray): A beautiful and kind nurse who is caught in a love triangle between two doctors and becomes a key figure in the murder investigation.
• Dr. Barnes (Trevor Howard): An emotionally guarded anesthetist with a troubled past who becomes a prime suspect in the postman’s death.
• Mr. Eden (Leo Genn): A charming and confident surgeon with a reputation as a ladies’ man, who is also a suspect in the murder case.
• Nurse Bates (Judy Campbell): A jealous nurse who suspects foul play in the postman’s death and is subsequently murdered.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Inspector Cockrill: “Joseph Higgins. I begin with him because he was the first to die…” – Opening line from the movie, setting a mysterious tone.
• Dr. Barnes: “I gave nitrous oxide at first, to get him under.” – Explaining the anaesthesia process to Inspector Cockrill, which becomes a key point in the investigation.
• Inspector Cockrill: “Oh yes, stuff the dentist gives you, hmmm… commonly known as “laughing gas.”” – Inspector Cockrill’s humorous and sarcastic response, showcasing his personality.
• Inspector Cockrill: “In view of my failure – correction, comparative failure.” – Said with humorous self-deprecation after a twist ending.
• Inspector Cockrill: “I offer my resignation, in the confident hope that you wont accept it.” – Said after an unfortunate event at the end of the movie.

💰Box Office

• Budget: £202,400
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 Green for Danger Reviews

Personal Review

I really enjoyed this movie! It felt like a classic Agatha Christie novel come to life. Alastair Sim is brilliant as Inspector Cockrill; he really steals every scene he’s in. The scene where Nurse Bates announces she knows the murderer is so tense, and the second murder is genuinely creepy, with shadows and wind. I was guessing until the very end, and the twist was great!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic British mysteries”
  • “Viewers who enjoy whodunit stories”
  • “Admirers of Alastair Sim’s acting”
  • “People interested in WWII-era dramas”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild violence”
  • “Themes of murder”
  • “Brief references to wartime events”

Professional Reviews

• The Film Stage: “A rare treat with the incomparable Alastair Sim as Cockrill. The plot is a convoluted murder mystery in which five people have motive and means to commit murder — but whodunit? It’s a bit stodgy but lots of fun.
• Indiewire: “A bravura example of simplicity in the art of movie making…it also has the gorgon-eyed brilliance of Alistair Sim: a man late to his profession but BOY did he make up for it! Check out his delivery in this film and his constantly out-of-kilter (and surely spontaneous) body language.
• N/A: “The acting (though a tad stiff) is dead on the ball; the dialogue is always precise and frequently ingenious (Sim’s music hall gag about impurities…); the editing is never less than effective and the direction and cinematography constantly inspired.

Audience Reactions

Alastair Sim’s performance as Inspector Cockrill is considered as the best part of the movie.: The film is praised for its classic British charm, witty dialogue, and suspenseful plot.

The setting during the WWII London Blitz adds to the atmosphere.: Many viewers enjoyed the twists and turns of the mystery, although some found the initial plot setup confusing.

Overall Consensus: A classic British mystery with a strong cast, particularly Alastair Sim, and a suspenseful plot, although some find the initial setup and certain plot elements confusing.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film was based on the novel of the same name by Christianna Brand, a crime writer known for her intricate plots and well-developed characters.”
• “Sidney Gilliat and Frank Launder, the writers, directors and producers, were a prolific and successful British filmmaking team known for their thrillers and comedies.”
• “The film was nearly banned in case it frightened soldiers from going to hospital!.”
• “Pinewood Studios, a famous filming location in the UK, served as a backdrop for the movie.”
• “The visual style includes great use of architectural shapes, shadows, and the mix of light and dark which made the movie atmospheric and spooky.”

🖥️ How to Watch Green for Danger?

Currently, ‘Green for Danger’ is available for streaming on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, where it can be rented or purchased. Availability may vary by region. Check your local listings for broadcast schedules and potential streaming options via services like Apple TV or other on-demand platforms that offer classic British films.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Green for Danger, you might like these similar films:

• The Lady Vanishes (1938): Another classic British mystery with a blend of suspense and humour, also written by Sidney Gilliat and Frank Launder.
• And Then There Were None (1945): A suspenseful mystery where a group of people are isolated and killed off one by one, creating a similar atmosphere of paranoia and suspicion.
• An Inspector Calls (1954): A thought-provoking British mystery that critiques societal issues, similar to the thematic depth found in Green for Danger.
• Knives Out (2019): A modern whodunit with a star-studded cast, intricate plot, and dark humor, echoing the classic appeal of Green for Danger.
• Clue (1985): A cult classic comedy-mystery based on the board game, offering a similar blend of humor and suspense in a confined setting.

🛒 Green for Danger Related Products

• Vintage British World War 2 Propaganda Poster Reproduction: A high-quality reproduction poster evoking the spirit of wartime Britain, adding an authentic touch to any room.
• Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot: The Complete Collection: Enjoy similar mysteries like Green For Danger and dive into Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot full mystery novels.
• World War II Era British Uniform Replica: Dress up as a member of the British medical staff during WWII with a detailed uniform replica.
• Vintage Style British Telephone: Add a touch of vintage charm to your home with a replica British telephone from the 1940s.

🎧 Soundtrack

Green for Danger features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Paul Jones” – performed by Harry Gold and Norrie Paramor (Arranged by)

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

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