The Mask of Dimitrios

Synopsis

The Mask of Dimitrios is a gripping 1944 film noir crime thriller starring Peter Lorre. It follows an American mystery writer who becomes fascinated by the life and crimes of a notorious criminal named Dimitrios Makropoulos. While researching Dimitrios's whereabouts, the writer delves deeper into a dark world of espionage, betrayal, and murder. As he uncovers the layers of Dimitrios's shadowy past, he gets caught in a dangerous web of intrigue that blurs the lines between fact and fiction. The film masterfully combines suspense, complex characters, and moral ambiguity set against the backdrop of World War II Europe.

Cast

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  Peter Lorre

  Cornelius Leyden

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  Sydney Greenstreet

  Mr. Peters

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  Zachary Scott

  Dimitrios Makropoulos

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  Faye Emerson

  Irana Preveza

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  Victor Francen

  Wladislaw Grudek

• 

  Steven Geray

  Karel Bulic

Reviews

The Mask of Dimitrios holds a strong standing among classic film noir enthusiasts, earning a solid IMDb rating of 7.2/10 and an 83% score on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting mostly positive critical reception. Critics have praised the film's atmospheric direction and Peter Lorre's magnetic performance, highlighting its effective suspense and tightly woven narrative. Rotten Tomatoes describes it as "a tense, stylish thriller that captures the essence of noir with a compelling mystery." On IMDb, viewers appreciate its intricate plot and period authenticity, with many noting that it stands out for its intelligent screenplay and subtle performances. Some modern reviewers criticize the pacing as somewhat slow by today's standards, but acknowledge that this allows for deeper character development and mood. Overall, The Mask of Dimitrios is celebrated as a well-crafted example of mid-20th century noir cinema that offers both entertainment and historical intrigue.