A series of seemingly unconnected murders takes place in London, with the murderer leaving a calling card signed "The Marquis". Aspiring novelist and amateur detective Paul Temple and his wife Steve are called in to investigate. An ancient papyrus scroll recently excavated in Egypt by the menacing archaeologist Sir Felix Raybourne appears to hold the key to the murders. It details an antidote for all narcotic drugs, which if put to use could put an end to lucrative criminal drug cartels in London.[5] x
The Monthly Film Bulletin wrote: "On the whole, the somewhat thin and bloodless story does hold together, even if it often just misses being convincing. The camera tends to be over-suggestive, especially in indicating the murderer, but this fault may lie with the editing rather than the direction. Competent acting ensures this inoffensive thriller some measure of success."[6]
Kine Weekly wrote: "The picture moves around and introduces an artful touch of colour into its hardy blood and thunder, but fails to spring a surprise climax. John Lender has an engaging and disarming way with him as Temple. Patricia Dainton pleases as Steve, but Grey Blake lets the side down through no fault of his own as Storey. It's obvious from the start that he is the killer, and lack of subtlety takes some of the sting out of the robust "who-dunnit." The impediment is, however, considerably offset by effectively sinister atmosphere, apt light relief and spectacular pyrotechnic 'curtain'."[7]
TV Guide called the film a "standard murder mystery."[8]
Britmovie wrote: "B-movie director Maclean Rogers keeps the story moving at a brisk pace and makes good use of exterior locations."[9]
Home media
Renown Pictures has issued all four Paul Temple films on DVD.[10]
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