The Lodger (1927)

The Lodger: A Story of the London Fog (1927) is one of Alfred Hitchcock’s early silent films.  It is based on the Marie Belloc Lowndes story and play based on the Jack the Ripper murders.  Hitchcock directed the film (affiliate link) in 1926; it was released in February 1927 in London.  It made it to the United States in 1928.

The film begins with the latest Avenger (Jack the Ripper prototype) murder, which has put London on edge.  People are beginning to become suspicious of everyone.  Mr. and Mrs. Bunting, played by Arthur Chesney and Marie Ault, have a room to let.  They are also worried about their daughter Daisy, played by June Tripp, who is a showgirl.  Joe, a London detective, is sweet on Daisy.  Joe, portrayed by Malcolm Keen, has been assigned to the Avenger case.

Joe is giving the Buntings an update on the investigation of the Avenger murders, when Dorothy arrives.  A few minutes later, the Lodger, played by Ivor Novello,enters the home and take the room to let.  Mrs. Bunting is reluctant to rent the room until the Lodger pays for a month’s rent in advance.

The Lodger begins to arouse the suspicion of the Buntings and Joe, who find his habits such as turning around the pictures of women in his room so they are not looking at him to be very odd.  He also tends to go out and stay out late at night, which increases everyone’s suspicion that he may indeed be the Avenger.

Daisy seems to be the only person, who does not think the Lodger is the Avenger.  She is clearly falling for him but will this budding love lead to her death.

Ivor Novello was born in Cardiff, Wales on January 15, 1893, He was considered a musical prodigy as a child, which is how he initially came to be known by people in the theater.  He wrote the World War I patriotic song, “Keep the Home Fires Burning”.

In 1921, he began acting in silent films.due to his leading man looks.  He acted in 23 films from 1921 to 1934 before refocusing completely on music after 1934.He died of heart failure in London on March 6, 1951 at age 58.

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