The Clouded Yellow

1951 "Tense, exciting, unusual !"
6.9| 1h35m| NR| en| More Info
Released: 12 November 1951 Released
Producted By: General Film Distributors
Country: United Kingdom
Budget: 0
Revenue: 0
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Synopsis

After leaving the British Secret Service, David Somers (played by Trevor Howard) finds work cataloging butterflies at the country house of Nicholas and Jess Fenton. After the murder of a local gamekeeper, suspicion (wrongfully) falls on their niece, Sophie Malraux (Jean Simmons). Somers helps Sophie to escape arrest and they go on the run together. After a cross-country chase they arrive at a coastal city with the intention of leaving the country by ship. All's well that ends well after the true identity of the murderer is revealed.

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Reviews

mlink-36-9815 It was issued by Columbia I suppose on a double bill which accounts for the cuts. The beginning is cut and the chase is cut and there are small cuts throughout. the cuts might be alright if you dont see the original - once you do you'll understand how vile Columbia were. basically it was a louis b. mayer tribute film.
HotToastyRag If The Clouded Yellow had been made by Alfred Hitchcock, it would be hailed as one of the great classic thrillers. As it is, Betty E. Box produced the film, and no one has remembered it. I found it just as enjoyable as a Master of Suspense movie, and in fact, better than most of his films.Trevor Howard, practically unrecognizable in his youth and mustache, plays a retired Secret Service agent who takes a quiet job in the country categorizing butterflies. While his employers and landlords seem nice enough, their niece Jean Simmons seems a little off—and not just because of her ridiculous bangs. She forgets things and has mysterious amnesia of key memories from her childhood, or so she says.Because of his previous employment, Trevor has a naturally curious mind, so he can't help but notice that Jean's aunt isn't as fond of her niece as she claims, and the local handyman is paying an unhealthy amount of attention towards his married employer. As in every great Hitchcock, when the chips fall down, suspicion is thrown in every direction! For a very entertaining, classic thriller, rent The Clouded Yellow on a foggy afternoon.
moriczmusic This is a film that has a lot going for it: --a typically excellent, nuanced and three-dimensional performance from Trevor Howard as a forced-into retirement espionage agent encountering a surprising new adventure back home while at times revisiting aspects of his own past.--Jean Simmons in her radiant younger days in a role of mystery, range and substance.--a highly intelligent script that expects viewers to think and rewards their patience.--stylishly and confidently directed, and photographed with great distinction by the later-legendary Geoffrey Unsworth.--excellent use of locations, well-paced, filled with surprises.Those who are comparing it to British Hitchcock are partially right, but it also has the erudite touch of a Sir Carol Reed about it. It's visually quite satisfying, naturalistically shot for the most part, but with well-thought-out process shots when necessary. This story eventually covers a lot of ground, and each new location and situation is shot with a real eye for the distinctive look or texture of where they are next. While the visual choices are rarely "flashy," there is a real sense of location and imagery. Outdoors and nature compete with urban or more claustrophobic settings, and all the myriad parts add up to a polished and satisfying whole. It starts a little slowly, but once the wheels begin to turn, it gradually takes you on quite a journey, narratively, emotionally and geographically. I found myself very invested in the main characters.Another plus is the excellent score by Benjamin Frankel -- it hits its full marks not only in the dramatic or suspenseful passages, but also in some unusual and subtle piano music played by Simmons' character.No complaints about this movie! It's a gem.
rashomon-8 This film plays really well with an audience. Especially once the chase begins. Plus, Trevor Howard with his sensible, smart charms and Jean Simmons with her innocent demeanor and piercing eyes are terrific together.The film starts as a psychological drama but after the murder it segues into a chase thriller as the two leads head for the border. Some may think the chase is superfluous but actually the chase is essential because it aids in clearing the mind of the Jean Simmons character by getting her out of the oppressive household, plus it helps bring out the real killer - who is suddenly put into such a position that they have to finish the job. The killer rightly believed that once the Simmons character was arrested she would be put away. And it is true that her lack of control in the household - as well as evidence pointing her way - there is no way she would have gotten out of the murder charge. The chase that ensues helps bring out the truth.This is an entertaining film. Seek it out if you can find it.