The Ringer (1952 film)

The Ringer is a 1952 British mystery film directed by Guy Hamilton and starring Herbert Lom, Denholm Elliott, Greta Gynt, Donald Wolfit, William Hartnell and Mai Zetterling. It was the directoral debut of Hamilton, and was the third talkie version of Edgar Wallace's popular play.

Premise
An underhand solicitor receives threatening notes from a mysterious killer who's also a master of disguise, and the police are called in to protect him.

Cast
(in credits order)


 * Herbert Lom as Maurice Meister
 * Donald Wolfit as Dr. Lomond
 * Mai Zetterling as Lisa
 * Greta Gynt as Cora Ann Milton
 * William Hartnell as Sam Hackett
 * Norman Wooland as Inspector Bliss
 * Denholm Elliott as John Lemley
 * Dora Bryan as Mrs. Hackett
 * Charles Victor as Inspector Wembury
 * Walter Fitzgerald as Commissioner
 * John Stuart as Gardener
 * John Slater as Bell
 * Edward Chapman as Stranger
 * Campbell Singer as Station Sergeant Carter
 * Arthur Lovegrove as Workman installing window bars (uncredited)
 * Robert Raglan (uncredited)

Critical reception
Allmovie wrote, "Donald Wolfit, whose legendary thespic excesses were later fictionalized in the stage play The Dresser, is perfectly cast as a vengeance-seeking master of disguise"; and TV Guide noted "old-fashioned melodrama with an excellent cast."