“Count the Hours” (1953) directed by Don Siegel, starring Teresa Wright & Macdonald Carey / Z-View

Count the Hours (1953)

Director:  Don Siegel

Screenplay: Doane R. Hoag, Karen DeWolf; story by Doane R. Hoag

Stars: Teresa Wright, Macdonald Carey, Dolores Moran, Adele Mara, Edgar Barrier, Ralph Dumke and Jack Elam.

Tagline: Strange things happen in the night!

The Plot…

Late one night, Fred Morgan and his live-in housekeeper are killed during a home invasion/robbery.  The next morning the bodies are discovered and the police arrive.  George and Ellen Braden are the first to be questioned.

George and Ellen Braden live in a small house on the farm and assist with the chores.  George says they didn’t hear anything.  His wife says she heard gunshots and told George.  This makes the police suspicious. The couple are brought in for more questioning.  Sixteen hours later George says he’ll sign anything to get them to let up on his wife.

George is charged with the murder of Fred Morgan and his housekeeper.  Doug Madison is assigned to serve as George’s defense counsel.  Doug starts out believing George is guilty.  Slowly as Doug digs into the case, he changes his mind.  With all the evidence pointing to guilt and George’s life on the line, the clock is ticking.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Count the Hours is a low budget thriller made in just 9 days!

John Alton, the Director of Photography, was given a budget of $4,000.00 for all of the equipment for rigging (overhead lighting, cables, brackets, piping, etc.).  Alton told the Producer that if he was given a raise of $2,000.00 to his salary, he would do it without rigging.  The lack of traditional studio lighting greatly contributes to the film’s atmosphere.

Director Don Siegel’s sixth outing as a feature film director.  His excellent direction (along with John Alton’s lighting) help make this low budget thriller a winner.

Count the Hours (1953) rates 3 of 5 stars