This film stars the great-unappreciated Peter Lorre and the large villainous Sydney Greenstreet as they match wits to try to solve a murder. This is a classic who-done-it murder mystery set in London during the late 1800's. The foggy backdrop that plays through the entire story sets the mood of murder and mayhem. The film starts out with Judge George Gordman (Sydney Greenstreet) making a fatal mistake by convicting an innocent man to death and therefore has to be relieved of his duties and is comforted by his friends and neighbors Victor Emmric (Peter Lorre) and Arthur Kendall (Morton Lowry). Arthur is a Member of Parliament and seems to have many enemies including a political rival and a former mistress threatening him and later that night Arthur is found stabbed to death in his room with the door locked from the inside. After they find their friend dead, Peter Lorre and Sydney Greenstreet are on the case to figure out who is the murderer. The film keeps you interested but that is about it. The story itself seems like it was torn out of a Sherlock Holmes novel that had an incredibly mild theme. The beginning was great but it dragged through the middle of the film making it so that you are detached from what's going on. The only thing that saved "The Verdict" was the ending where they reviled who actually the murderer was. This was considered a B film and not a lot of money went into it, but bearing that in mind they made a fine quality film with great acting that shouldn't go unnoticed. Peter Lorre once again is amazing as he plays the same old mysterious villainous type character that he is best known for and which he perfected since "M". Sydney Greenstreet also plays the villainous role flawlessly and seems to demand attention when he is in the room because of his large physique. These two starred in nine movies together because of the chemistry they have with one another but it seems that Peter Lorre's star shines brighter every single time. You can't deny the fact that Peter Lorre had that swagger that is only found in a handful of actors. This is not a great movie by any means but it is a good murder mystery.
2.5 out of 5 stars
Cool Factor: Peter Lorre being Peter Lorre
Lame Factor: The Film could have been Great
2.5 out of 5 stars
Cool Factor: Peter Lorre being Peter Lorre
Lame Factor: The Film could have been Great