And Then There Were None
And Then There Were None is a classic mystery novel by Agatha Christie, first published in 1939. The story has been adapted into several films and television series over the years, including a 1945 film adaptation directed by René Clair. This version of the movie stars Barry Fitzgerald as Justice Wargrave, Walter Huston as Dr. Armstrong, Louis Hayward as Philip Lombard, C. Aubrey Smith as General Macarthur, and June Duprez as Vera Claythorne.
The plot follows eight strangers who are invited to an isolated island off the Devon coast in England. Upon arriving on the island, they soon find out that their host is not present, but instead, there is a recorded message that accuses them all of having committed murder with no way to escape or contact anyone else for help. As each one dies mysteriously from what appears to be divine retribution for their past deeds, it becomes clear that none of them will survive until morning if they don't figure out who among them is responsible for these killings before time runs out.
The atmosphere throughout this adaptation reflects its source material perfectly—suspenseful yet darkly humorous at times—and manages to keep viewers guessing right up until its shocking conclusion. While some elements have changed slightly compared to earlier versions (the characters now being named after nursery rhyme figures), overall, this remains faithful enough so fans can still appreciate it, while newcomers may also enjoy discovering this cinematic gem today.