They Met in the Dark

1943
Approved
1h 35m

IMDb RATING

6.1/10

550

YOUR RATING

James Mason and Joyce Howard in They Met in the Dark (1943)

Mystery Romance Thriller War

During WW2, a Royal Navy Commander stumbles upon a murdered woman and discovers a network of Nazi spies and Fifth-Columnists.During WW2, a Royal Navy Commander stumbles upon a murdered woman and discovers a network of Nazi spies and Fifth-Columnists.During WW2, a Royal Navy Commander stumbles upon a murdered woman and discovers a network of Nazi spies and Fifth-Columnists.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

6.1/10

550

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

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Storyline

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Did you know

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Trivia
Since this was filmed in England during World War II, the odd-looking things on most cars' headlights are blackout deflectors. These kept the light pointed down at the road ahead and much less visible to enemy planes from above.

Goofs
When she was speaking to the Police, Laura said that the paper tore into 2 pieces and that a part of it was left in Mary's hand.

Quotes
Henry: Nervous, aren't you? Don't worry, if you're legs are alright, you're alright.
Laura Verity: What do my legs got to do with it?
Henry: [looks over his glasses at her] You'd be surprised.

Crazy credits
The title card has the title of the film flashing on and off, like a neon sign.

Alternate versions
British DVD release Version is Cut cinema reissue edition runs 94 minutes

Soundtracks
TODDLE ALONG
Music by Benjamin Frankel
Lyric by Moira Heath
Sung by Phyllis Stanley

User reviews23

Review

Featured review

7/10

70% of a Hitchcock

"They Met in the Dark" is like the first draft of a Hitchcock film, before the better plotting, interesting camera-work, and Hitchcock wit is added. In fact, it's a blend of "The 39 Steps" and "The Lady Vanishes." With many of the same elements:

Man and woman meet during a mysterious incident. Check. They are forced to stay on the run together. Check. The "McGuffin" is a secret message about the military. Check. The secret is conveyed by a music hall entertainer. Check. The unlikely couple end up in love. Check.

It's interesting to see the difference between a perfectly fine movie and a great one. Hitchcock created striking lighting effects, innovative camera moves, and darker, more menacing threat.

"They Met in the Dark" is a perfectly charming diversion and a nice, little movie. But pales in comparison to the Hitchcock films of the same era.