Venetian Bird – 1952 | 95 mins | Mystery | B&W

Plot Synopsis

From a screenplay by Victor Canning and based on hisown novel, Venetian Bird is a routine thriller heavily influenced The Third Man.Unfortunately, this tale of Richard Todd caught up in a web of mystery andintrigue suffers from a severe lack of suspense and only adequate acting. RalphThomas directs in his usual competent but routine manner, and cinematographerErnest Steward makes some stunning use of the Venetian locations. Richard Toddis well below par as the humdrum detective but John Gregson scores as black-humouredcriminal. The remainder of the supporting cast is adequate, with Eva Bartoklooking attractive but uncharismatic and Sid James attempting a suspect Italianaccent.

Private detective Edward Mercer (Richard Todd) ishired to find war-time Italian partisan Renzo Uccello (John Gregson) in Veniceand reward him for aiding the escape of an American during the war. Once hearrives, the detective finds himself the quarry of every Venetian policeman andshady underworld character in sight. The former war hero is unfortunately notwhat he seems, and has a lengthy criminal record. However, Uccello faked hisdeath towards the close of WWII, and now goes by the pseudonym of Cassana, acommon street photographer. But Uccello has a more sinister occupation as asniper, and plans to assassinate the popular politician Nerva, leading topolitical upheaval and a right-wing coup d’état. Mercer is framed for themurder.