Mine Own Executioner – 1947 | 108 mins | Drama, Thriller | B&W

Plot Synopsis

Wholly absorbing psychological thriller adapted from thenovel by Nigel Balchin. Unlike most black-and-white films dealing withpsychiatry and mental illness, this intelligent drama refuses to be overawed byits subject or embroider it to service the plot. Unremarkable yet dependablecomedy helmer Anthony Kimmins directs the story in a conservative manner, butdoes allow himself one stylistic flourish with the subjectively shot flashbackof Kieron Moore’s capture and interrogation. Burgess Meredith’s intense virtuosoperformance, given before his overacting scenery-chewing caricatures, providesthe film with a strong central pillar. And Kieron Moore‘s tortured portrait of aformer-PoW is a credit to an actor often the epitome of blandness.

Set in London in 1946, Felix Milne (Burgess Meredith) isa Canadian psychoanalyst who also does voluntary work at a clinic. The clinicis offered a large donation by Sir George Freethorne on the condition that itgets rid of all staff who are not qualified doctors, of which Felix is one. Aninteresting case is brought to Milne by Mrs Lucian (Barbara White). Herhusband, Adam (Kieron Moore), is a former fighter pilot and ex-PoW in Asia, andhe is now a violent schizophrenic who has attempted to strangle his wife. Milnereluctantly agrees to accept the case.

With the use of drugs, Felix regresses Adam back tohis capture and interrogation at the hands of the Japanese, and exposes hisfears and feelings of guilt. Meanwhile, Felix has problems of his own with hisirrational compulsion to mistreat his wife. Adam believes he is cured, butMilne is adamant that there are deeper issues the ex-pilot is masking and thathe remains a dangerous patient. Felix’s suspicions prove to be correct and Adamfinally breaks down with tragic consequences. At the coroner’s inquest, Milnereceives stiff questioning over his lack of qualifications and treatment of AdamLucian.