The film evokes images of Bluebeard's chamber. Cast a Dark Shadow comes from Kewis Gilbert, with a screenplay by John Cresswell based on Janet Green’s play Murder Mistaken. The movie features Dirk Bogarde, Margaret Lockwood, Kay Walsh, Kathleen Harrison and Robert Flemyng; Antony Hopkins composed the music and Jack Asher handled the cinematography. Edward Bare (Bogarde) weds an older woman for financial gain, then kills her only to discover that his anticipated inheritance won’t materialize. He turns his attention toward another potential victim, Freda Jeffries (Lockwood), but finds himself in over his head... You! Please leave me alone. This is a wonderful example of British noir that follows the Bluebeard storyline and allows the actors to relish their roles. There's an undercurrent of class differences and latent sexual tension throughout, with Gilbert (The Good Die Young) and Asher (The Curse of Frankenstein) creating a stylish atmosphere through dark visuals. From the opening scene involving Ghost Train, where the focus is on the eyes, to the repeated use of a rocking chair as a symbol, there’s an unsettling quality that raises goosebumps and intrigues the mind. While it's possible to anticipate what will happen, the journey filled with shadows and dim lighting offers the real enjoyment. The acting is consistently strong across the board. By this point in his career, Bogarde seemed to enjoy portraying characters who were dishonest or morally flawed, and he delivers another noteworthy performance here. Walsh and Flemyng play supporting roles but fulfill their narrative purposes well, and Harrison is painfully naive as confused housekeeper Emmie. However, Lockwood truly stands out; near the close of her film career, she gives a spirited portrayal. Freda is resilient, sharp-tongued (the script provides her with several excellent lines), and uses humor to deflect danger. She also possesses a seductive look that complements her boisterous laugh! Occasionally, it leans toward being overly theatrical, and director Gilbert sometimes fails to maximize the suspense. Nevertheless, this film certainly deserves a wider audience. 7.5/10

Source on TMDB