23 Paces to Baker Street Reviews

A wonderful Hitchcockian murder-mystery, essentially Rear Window with a visually impaired Val Johnson replacing Jimmy Stewart and a microphone instead of a camera. Set in London, we have Johnson's dejected playwright trying to sort out his relationship with Vera Miles, whilst trying to come to terms with his blindness. Upon visitng his local pub, he partially overhears a conversation that he is sure will put a young woman's life in danger and what follows is an investigation into kidnapping and murder. Cecil Parker is Johnson's assistant and Goldfinger's Martin Benson has a small but very important part. Some parts are slightly incoherent but the climax is thrilling, the plot keeps you guessing, the leads are fine and it's all in glorious CINEMASCOPE, accompanied by a fantastic score. Fabulous, not to mention some beautiful photography.

4/5