In some ways, "A Blueprint for Murder" was a disappointment. After all, while it's supposed to be a noir mystery, there really isn't any mystery. People have been poisoned and it soon becomes apparent that only one person could be responsible--so where's the mystery?! I think the film would have been a lot better had there been some twist and some other suspects! But, despite this, the story still is intriguing and well worth seeing.
Joseph Cotten plays a man who has come to visit his sister-in-law (Jean Peters) and her two step-children. However, he arrives at the same time his niece is being taken to the hospital with some unknown ailment. She is in intense pain and appears to be getting better...only to relapse and die later that night. Considering that her father died exactly the same way AND both deaths could be have been by strychnine poisoning, he is naturally a bit concerned--especially since his nephew might just be next! But, while all evidence points to his sweet sister-in-law, no concrete evidence can be found and she gets away scot-free.
What happens next is pretty cool...though a bit silly. As my oldest daughter noted as she watched the film with me, why didn't Cotten just give the Peters the 'W pill' and say nothing more--figuring that regardless, he'll have an answer as to her guilt. See the picture yourself and see what she means. The acting is very good (I am a Cotten-phile) and the story works despite its lack of suspense. Had they worked this out better, the film could have easily earned an 8 or 9.
Joseph Cotten plays a man who has come to visit his sister-in-law (Jean Peters) and her two step-children. However, he arrives at the same time his niece is being taken to the hospital with some unknown ailment. She is in intense pain and appears to be getting better...only to relapse and die later that night. Considering that her father died exactly the same way AND both deaths could be have been by strychnine poisoning, he is naturally a bit concerned--especially since his nephew might just be next! But, while all evidence points to his sweet sister-in-law, no concrete evidence can be found and she gets away scot-free.
What happens next is pretty cool...though a bit silly. As my oldest daughter noted as she watched the film with me, why didn't Cotten just give the Peters the 'W pill' and say nothing more--figuring that regardless, he'll have an answer as to her guilt. See the picture yourself and see what she means. The acting is very good (I am a Cotten-phile) and the story works despite its lack of suspense. Had they worked this out better, the film could have easily earned an 8 or 9.