Love From A Stranger (DVD)

A struggling London office worker, Carol Howard, wins the French lottery and makes plans to travel the world, unaware of the horrific fate which awaits her. Dashing Gerald Lovell inquires about renting her flat and Carol finds herself drawn to him. Romance develops and the couple are wed, but Gerald begins to reveal a dark and sinister side, spending hours alone in the cellar and forbidding Carol to enter. Much to her horror, Carol uncovers evidence that her husband may be a deranged serial killer.

Based on a play by Frank Vosper and a short story by Agatha Christie, Love From A Stranger is a fast-paced, nail-biting suspense drama made in England under the taut direction of Rowland V. Lee. Basil Rathbone, best known for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes in the years that followed, gives one of his most dynamic and memorable performances, deftly capturing his character's transition from debonair gentleman to demonic maniac. Rathbone and Lee would reunite two years later for Universal Pictures' classic thrillers, Son Of Frankenstein and Tower Of London.

• horror