gives him a drink containing an overdose of his regular medications. While Lee is dying, Vivien confesses to lying to him and that she only loved Martin. She attempts to reunite with Martin who wants nothing to do with her. Vivien returns dejectedly back to her apartment and, despite initially feigning distress at her husband's death, is arrested by Pembury for Lee's murder. Her lover Jimmy Martin's ring is given back to her stating 'til death do us part'. The film ends with her laughing cruelly, symbolising her downfall into madness. Cast Eric Portman as Lee Warren Greta Gynt as Vivien Warren Dennis Price as Richard Fenton Maxwell Reed as Jimmy Martin Jack Warner as Insp. Pembury Hazel Court as Avis Fenton Jane Hylton as Rita Andrew Crawford as Sgt. Fox John Blythe as Ernie (uncredited) Original play The film was based on a play by St. John Legh Clowes. It debuted in a small theatre in London that had specialised in Grand Guignol plays and was so popular it was transferred to the West End in 1946, where it was a hit. Director Sam Woods wanted to buy the film rights. Film rights were purchased by Sydney Box. There were plans to produce the play on Broadway starring Francis Lederer but this did not happen. Production It was one of the first films made at Gainsborough Pictures after Sydney Box took over as head of production. The adaptation was very faithful to the script. Filming took place in late 1946. It was produced by Sydney's sister Betty. The film was shot as Islington Studios. The cast included two young actors whom Box was trying to build into stars, Maxwell Reed and Hazel Court. Both were from his acting company, The Company of Youth. Reception The film was well-received for its tautness and ingenuity, with one reviewer noting: "Dear Murderer is a shrewd, semi-psychological thriller with Eric Portman, a well-known menace...being sinister to the height of his bent. The plot is good and chilling." It also received positive notices on its release in the U.S.: "Another masterful picture from overseas, a carefully plotted dramatic thriller which revolves very neatly about the commission of the perfect crime." The movie was given a Royal Command Performance in Oslo, Norway. (Star Greta Gynt was Norwegian.) Attempted murder trial The movie featured in a trial. Arthur Colyer was arrested for attempted murder of his