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A Man about the House
An atmospheric thriller about two sisters who fall for the charms of a mysterious and charismatic caretaker, after they inherit a Neapolitan villa.
Director: Leslie Arliss
Overview
This atmospheric thriller from Gainsborough Pictures follows two English sisters, Ellen and Agnes who inherit a Neapolitan villa, only to fall under the spell of its charismatic caretaker, Salvatore. After Agnes marries him, she soon starts to fall ill, arousing her sister’s suspicions as to Salvatore's intentions.
Creator of some of Gainsborough Pictures’ best-known melodramas, Leslie Arliss was well chosen to helm this atmospheric thriller, made in 1947. Boasting cinematography by Oscar winner Georges Perinal and an early film role for Kieron Moore, A Man About the House is adapted from the novel of the same name by noted English writer and composer Francis Brett Young. It is featured here in a brand-new High-Definition transfer from the original film elements in its as-exhibited theatrical aspect ratio. Two English sisters, Ellen and Agnes Isit, inherit a Neopolitan villa from their uncle and move to Italy in order to sell the property. Once there, they fall under the spell of the villa’s handsome and charismatic caretaker, Salvatore. The villa was once owned by Salvatore’s family, and he longs to regain ownership of the property; when he marries Agnes, his dream moves a step closer. But Agnes begins to suffer from a debilitating illness, and her sister’s suspicions are aroused…
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