The Mask of Dimitrios (1944)

They saying goes, 'Don't judge a book by its cover', so I will also add: don't judge a movie by its title. I had recorded this movie several months prior to actually watching it, because frankly, it sounded more like a cheesy action movie than the noir it was supposed to be. The title is horrible; the movie is great. But really, I should have just known this by its main cast: Peter Lorre mystery writer, Cornelius Leyden; and Sydney Greenstreet as Mr. Peters, who Leyden meets on his journey to unravel a mystery.

While visiting Istanbul, Leyden meets a Police Officer and fan of his work, who tells him about the real-life mystery of a body that as washed up on the beach. The body is alleged to be that of famed criminal Dimitrios Makropoulos, which fascinates Leyden and sends him on a journey to discover the truth behind the mystery. As Leyden journeys through Europe, we meet a host of characters that knew Dimitrios - each telling Leyden sordid tales, and each linking Leyden to the next character in his journey. This is how he meets Mr. Peters, who is not convinced Dimitrios is dead, and in fact plans on blackmailing him. He tries to cut Leyden into the deal, but Leyden only wants the truth. As a viewer, and fan of Lorre, I was afraid he would easily get sucked into the scheme and get in over his head. But Leyden holds his own throughout the story, in a very soft, unassuming way. It's so enjoyable to watch. 

The stories each character in Leyden's journey twist and weave into a thrilling tales of double-crossing, state secrets crime and gambling; and eventually Leyden and Mr. Peters track down the very much alive Dimitrios in Paris. Dimitrios pays Mr. Peters off to keep his secrets, but later tracks Mr. Peters down and tries to kill him. A shoot-out ensues and Mr. Peters sends Leyden away to avoid the violence. In the hallway Leyden hears gunshots, and the police arrive. Mr. Peters comes out of his hotel room and confesses to killing Dimitrios, as he is in fact quite satisfied by this accomplishment. So satisfied, that as the police take him away, Mr. Peters asks Leyden to write this story as his next mystery book and send him a copy in prison. Such a great and satisfactory ending. I loved it.