The Tell-Tale Heart

Synopsis

The Tell-Tale Heart, released in 1960 and starring Laurence Payne, is a gripping psychological thriller based on Edgar Allan Poe's renowned short story. The film follows a disturbed man who is haunted by the vulture-like eye of an old man, leading him to commit a gruesome and calculated crime. As the story unfolds, tension builds, and the man's guilt manifests in chilling ways. The unreliable narrator pulls the audience into his world of paranoia and obsession, blurring the lines between reality and madness. With atmospheric cinematography and a nerve-wracking score, The Tell-Tale Heart keeps viewers on the edge of their seats until the shocking conclusion.

Cast

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  Laurence Payne

  Edgar Marsh

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  Adrienne Corri

  Betty Clare

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  Dermot Walsh

  Carl Loomis

• Selma Vaz Dias

  Mrs. Vine

• John Scott

  Police Inspector

• John Martin

  Police Sergeant

Reviews

Critics have had mixed reactions to The Tell-Tale Heart, with some praising its faithful adaptation of Poe's classic tale and others critiquing its slow pacing. Rotten Tomatoes gave the film a rating of 6.2/10, with reviewers commending Laurence Payne's intense portrayal of the tormented protagonist. On IMDb, the movie holds a rating of 5.8/10, with viewers appreciating the eerie atmosphere created by the black-and-white cinematography. Metacritic rates the movie at 55/100, highlighting the film's haunting score and suspenseful buildup. While some critics found the plot predictable, others enjoyed the psychological depth of the main character. Overall, The Tell-Tale Heart offers a chilling exploration of guilt and obsession that may resonate with fans of psychological horror.