Watch The Shop at Sly Corner

The Shop at Sly Corner is a classic British thriller from 1947 starring Oskar Homolka, Derek Farr, and Muriel Pavlow. The film is based on the play of the same name by Edward Percy and Reginald Denham, which was a hit in London's West End before being adapted for the big screen. The story follows the adventures of a young journalist named Frank Pryor (played by Derek Farr) who is sent to investigate a suspicious antique shop in London's East End. The shop is run by a mysterious and sinister man named Hardcastle (played by Oskar Homolka), who seems to have a strange hold over the people who work for him.

As Pryor delves deeper into the mystery of the shop, he becomes embroiled in a web of intrigue and danger. He discovers that Hardcastle is involved in a variety of illegal activities, including smuggling stolen goods and blackmailing his customers.

As Pryor's investigation heats up, he finds himself in grave danger. He is kidnapped by Hardcastle's henchmen and threatened with murder unless he agrees to keep quiet about what he has learned. But Pryor is not easily intimidated, and he manages to turn the tables on his captors and escape.

The film features some excellent performances, particularly from Oskar Homolka as the villainous Hardcastle. Homolka oozes malevolence and danger, and he is a true master of the art of menacing delivery. Derek Farr is also excellent as the plucky young journalist, and Muriel Pavlow is convincing as the innocent girl caught up in the intrigue.

The Shop at Sly Corner is a well-crafted thriller with plenty of twists and turns to keep the audience guessing. Director George King keeps the pace brisk and the tension high, and the film features some excellent set pieces, including a thrilling chase through the streets of London.

One of the film's strengths is its evocation of the seedy underbelly of post-war London. The East End is portrayed as a grimy and dangerous place, full of dark alleys and shady characters. The contrast with the more affluent parts of the city is striking, and the film does a good job of showing how the two worlds collide.

The film also deals with some weighty themes, including the nature of evil and the corrupting influence of power. Hardcastle is portrayed as a wealthy and ruthless man who has become corrupted by his own wealth and influence. His downfall is inevitable, but the film suggests that his actions have already done irreparable damage to those around him.

Overall, The Shop at Sly Corner is a classic British film noir that still holds up well today. Its tale of corruption and mystery is sure to keep audiences on the edge of their seats, and its themes of power and corruption remain as relevant as ever.

The Shop at Sly Corner is a 1947 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.