The Marlowe Inquest

Synopsis

"The Marlowe Inquest" is a gripping 1986 British crime drama featuring Michael Pennington in the lead role. The film follows private detective Philip Marlowe as he delves into a complex and shadowy case involving corruption, deceit, and murder. Set against the atmospheric backdrop of mid-20th century England, Marlowe must navigate a web of lies and dangerous alliances to uncover the truth. The narrative combines classic noir elements with a compelling mystery, highlighting Pennington's nuanced performance as a world-weary yet determined investigator, making it an enduring piece for fans of detective stories and suspenseful cinema.

Cast

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  Michael Pennington

  Thomas Kyd

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  Geoffrey Beevers

  Ingram Frizer

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  Nicholas Gecks

  Richard Baines

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  Nicholas Le Prevost

  Robert Poley

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  Matthew Marsh

  Thomas Walshingham

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  John Savident

  Sir John Puckering

Reviews

Critical reception for "The Marlowe Inquest" has been a mixed but generally appreciative consensus among audiences and reviewers. On IMDb, the film holds a modest rating, reflecting appreciation for Michael Pennington's performance though some critics point to pacing issues and a somewhat predictable plot. Film historians praise its faithful noir atmosphere and period detail, citing it as a well-crafted but lesser-known entry in British crime cinema. While mainstream review aggregators like Rotten Tomatoes or Metacritic do not have extensive entries for this film due to its niche standing and age, retrospective reviews on specialty noir and mystery forums commend the movie for its faithful adaptation of Raymond Chandler-esque detective tropes and solid character work. The overall sentiment appreciates the film more for its stylistic approach and character depth than for groundbreaking storytelling. Quotes include remarks like "A quietly compelling detective drama," and "Pennington's portrayal elevates the film despite its conventional mystery."