The Snorkel Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A man uses a highly impractical snorkel-and-trapdoor scheme to murder his wife, only to be relentlessly hounded by his stepdaughter who’s way too good at connecting bizarre dots.

🍿 The Snorkel: Detailed Plot Synopsis

An Ingenious Murder Method

The film opens with Paul Decker meticulously preparing to murder his wife in their Italian villa. He drugs her milk, then seals the bedroom windows and doors from the inside, turning on the gas. His ingenious method involves hiding beneath a cleverly concealed trapdoor in the floor, using a scuba snorkel connected to tubes outside the house to breathe fresh air while his wife succumbs to the fumes. After the body is discovered by the servants the following morning, the police rule it a suicide due to the room being sealed from the inside and Paul’s fabricated alibi of being in France. He then quietly emerges from his hiding spot and leaves, believing his perfect crime is complete.

Candy’s Unwavering Suspicion

Paul’s stepdaughter, Candy Brown, returns home and immediately suspects him. She notes the absence of a suicide note and recalls her conviction that Paul also murdered her biological father years prior, a death ruled accidental drowning. Despite her strong accusations, the adults around her, including her governess Jean Edwards and the local police inspector, dismiss her claims as the product of grief and an overactive imagination. Undeterred, Candy remains convinced of Paul’s guilt. Her determination to prove he is a cold-blooded killer sets off a dangerous cat-and-mouse game, as she begins to search for clues that could expose his meticulously planned alibi.

A Deadly Game of Cat and Mouse

As Candy relentlessly investigates, she uncovers small inconsistencies and starts piecing together how Paul could have committed the murder from within a sealed room. A poster featuring an underwater diver sparks her realization about the snorkel. Her beloved family dog, Toto, inadvertently leads her closer to Paul’s secret, digging at the trapdoor and finding the snorkel, which unfortunately leads to the dog’s tragic poisoning by Paul. Paul, growing increasingly wary of Candy’s sharp intellect and persistent accusations, attempts to psychologically manipulate her. When that fails, he resorts to more direct means, including an attempt to drown her during a swim. With no one believing her, Candy finds herself in escalating danger, realizing she might be Paul’s next victim.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Paul Decker (Peter van Eyck): The cunning and ruthless stepfather who murders his wife and meticulously plans to eliminate his suspicious stepdaughter.
• Candy Brown (Mandy Miller): The intelligent and determined teenage stepdaughter who bravely seeks to expose her stepfather’s murders despite everyone’s disbelief.
• Jean Edwards (Betta St. John): Candy’s governess and companion who struggles to reconcile Candy’s accusations with her own growing affection for Paul.
• the Inspector (Grégoire Aslan): The pragmatic police officer who initially dismisses Candy’s claims due to the seemingly perfect nature of Paul’s alibi.
• Wilson (William Franklyn): A British consulate official who offers assistance to Jean and Candy, though he is initially skeptical of Candy’s persistent accusations.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Candy Brown: “Jean, is suicide a mortal sin?” – Candy asks her governess this question early in the film, subtly hinting at her skepticism regarding her mother’s supposed suicide.
• The Inspector: “The only way to do that was for Paul to be invisible in the room and not breathing the gas.” – The Inspector explains to Candy the impossibility of anyone else being in the sealed room, inadvertently giving her the crucial clue to how the murder was committed.
• Candy Brown: “Under water, can breathe all the time, go anywhere from town to town.” – Candy sings this nursery rhyme-like tune to Paul while observing a swimmer with a snorkel, cunningly letting him know she’s figured out his ingenious murder method.
• Paul Decker: “Let me out! Please!” – Paul’s desperate, muffled pleas from beneath the floorboards after being inadvertently trapped by Candy, realizing his own method has become his undoing.

💰Box Office

• Budget: £100,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 The Snorkel Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I just watched ‘The Snorkel,’ and wow, what a ride! I went in knowing it was a classic Hammer thriller, but it totally surprised me. The opening scene alone, with Paul doing his whole elaborate gas-and-snorkel thing, immediately hooked me. I was on the edge of my seat wondering how on earth he thought he’d get away with it, and even more, how Candy would ever prove it. Mandy Miller as Candy was fantastic; you just feel so much for her, knowing she’s right but no one believes her. The cat-and-mouse between her and Peter Van Eyck’s character was so intense, especially that swimming scene where he tries to drown her – my heart was pounding! It’s such a clever, unsettling film, and the ending? Chef’s kiss. Definitely a must-see for anyone who loves a good psychological thriller that keeps you guessing, not *who* did it, but *how* they’ll finally get caught.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic British thrillers and suspense films.”
  • “Viewers who enjoy ‘cat-and-mouse’ narratives and psychological dramas.”
  • “Admirers of Alfred Hitchcock or ‘Columbo’-style mysteries where the killer is known early.”
  • “Hammer Film Productions enthusiasts looking beyond their horror catalog.”
  • “Anyone who appreciates clever plot devices and atmospheric black-and-white cinematography.”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Murder (including gas asphyxiation and attempted drowning)”
  • “Poisoning of a pet”
  • “Child in peril and psychological manipulation”
  • “Themes of deception and unmasking a villain”

Professional Reviews

• FilmSpeak: “Hammer’s ‘The Snorkel’ delivers taut suspense from its very first scene. Like a classic ‘Columbo’ episode, we witness the ingenious murder, then watch as the clever villain tries to outwit his suspicious stepdaughter. Peter Van Eyck is superb as the icy killer, his performance amplified by the film’s moody black and white cinematography. It’s an underrated gem that builds tension masterfully, proving Hammer’s prowess beyond horror.
• The Daily Critic: “This Hammer thriller is pure genius, a testament to the studio’s skill beyond their gothic horrors. Guy Green’s direction, coupled with Jimmy Sangster’s sharp script, crafts a compelling cat-and-mouse game. From the ingenious opening, the film doesn’t ask ‘who done it?’ but ‘how will they prove it?’ Mandy Miller’s determined stepdaughter and Peter Van Eyck’s chilling villain make for a truly absorbing and suspenseful experience.

Audience Reactions

Viewers loved the clever, unique murder method and the relentless cat-and-mouse game.: Many admired Peter Van Eyck’s chilling performance and Mandy Miller’s sympathetic portrayal of the determined stepdaughter, noting the film’s strong suspense despite being a ‘whydunit’ rather than a ‘whodunit.’

Overall Consensus: The Snorkel is widely regarded as a suspenseful and ingenious Hammer thriller, praised for its unique premise, strong performances, and enduring tension.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The screenplay for ‘The Snorkel’ is based on a novel by Anthony Dawson, who is better known as an actor, notably for playing Professor Dent in ‘Dr. No’.”
• “The US version of the film was significantly cut down to 74 minutes to fit on a double bill when first shown theatrically in the United States, compared to the UK’s 90-minute runtime.”
• “Oscar-winning cinematographer Guy Green, known for his work on ‘Great Expectations’ (1946), directed the film, bringing a strong visual flair to the black and white production.”
• “Much of the film was shot on location in the picturesque Italian Riviera, specifically at Villa della Pergola in Alassio, Savona, Liguria, adding an authentic European atmosphere.”
• “This film marked the final feature film appearance for Mandy Miller (who played Candy Brown), as she retired from acting at the age of 15.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Snorkel?

While ‘The Snorkel’ is a classic 1958 Hammer Films production, it may not be readily available on major subscription streaming services. For convenient viewing, you can often find it available for rent or purchase on digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. Check these services for the most up-to-date availability to stream this tense British thriller.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Snorkel, you might like these similar films:

• Taste of Fear (1961): Another excellent black-and-white psychological thriller from Hammer Films, featuring a vulnerable protagonist who is made to question her sanity amidst a sinister plot, much like Candy.
• The Night of the Hunter (1955): Features innocent children being relentlessly pursued by a cunning, seemingly unassailable adult villain, mirroring the high-stakes cat-and-mouse game between Candy and Paul.
• Les Diaboliques (1955): A classic French psychological thriller from the same era with a meticulously plotted murder and intense, chilling suspense, appealing to fans of ‘locked room’ mysteries and European thrillers.
• The Invisible Man (2020): A modern psychological thriller where the protagonist must convince others of an unseen threat and prove her claims against a manipulative oppressor, echoing Candy’s struggle.
• Cape Fear (1962): A relentless cat-and-mouse thriller where a family is tormented by a vengeful psychopath, offering similar high-stakes suspense and the theme of a relentless pursuit by an evil figure.

🛒 The Snorkel Related Products

• Hammer Films Icons of Suspense Box Set (DVD/Blu-ray): This essential collection features ‘The Snorkel’ alongside other classic Hammer thrillers like ‘Taste of Fear’ and ‘Paranoiac’, showcasing the studio’s mastery beyond horror. Includes restored prints and bonus features, perfect for a suspense movie marathon.
• ‘The Snorkel’ Novel by Anthony Dawson (Paperback/Ebook): Delve deeper into the chilling world of ‘The Snorkel’ with the original suspense novel by Anthony Dawson. Explore the intricate plot and character motivations that inspired the film’s unique murder mystery.
• Vintage-Style Italian Riviera Travel Poster (The Snorkel Inspired): A beautifully designed, vintage-style travel poster evoking the film’s atmospheric Italian Riviera setting. Subtly incorporates elements of suspense and the era’s aesthetic, making it a stylish tribute.
• ‘Locked Room Murder’ Digital Detective Game (PC Download): An immersive digital detective game where players must unravel seemingly impossible locked-room murders, using observation and deduction. Features intricate puzzles and a compelling narrative that mirrors the ingenuity of ‘The Snorkel’s’ central mystery.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “The Snorkel Theme” – performed by Francis Chagrin
• “Decker’s Ingenious Plan” – performed by Francis Chagrin
• “Candy’s Suspicion” – performed by Francis Chagrin
• “Secrets of the Villa” – performed by Francis Chagrin
• “Unseen Threat” – performed by Francis Chagrin
• “Italian Riviera Blues” – performed by Francis Chagrin
• “The Chase Begins” – performed by Francis Chagrin
• “Confrontation and Climax” – performed by Francis Chagrin

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

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