Jack Palance portrays “Slade,” an odd and puzzling man who rents rooms from the Harley family. The story unfolds against the backdrop of heightened anxiety in Victorian London, fueled by the ongoing “Jack the Ripper” murders, and as events progress, both "Mrs. Harley" (Frances Bavier) and viewers alike start to believe that this solitary newcomer might be concealing something. Doubts grow even stronger when he shows interest in her niece, "Lily" (Constance Smith), leading to questions about whether she’s also in danger. Director Hugo Fregonese does create a degree of suspense; the shadowy environments and London fog contribute to the atmosphere of the story. However, Palance's performance feels stiff and uninspired, failing to bring depth to his character. With the exception of Rhys Williams’ pleasant portrayal of "Harley," the acting generally seems lackluster and theatrical, which ultimately diminishes the film. Despite this, it remains reasonably enjoyable, but a more compelling actor in the lead role could have made it considerably more captivating; I personally found “The Lodger” (1944) to be superior.

Source on TMDB