Count the Hours looks like a much better film than it actually is, thanks to the contributions of director Don Siegel and cinematographer John Alton. Though made on a budget that may have limited their ability to experiment, Siegel and Alton keep finding ways of framing shots, of placing props, and of inserting angles that give a life to Hours that is sadly lacking in its screenplay. Indeed, had Hours had a screenplay that was simply average, then end result would have been a good, if not great, little courtroom thriller. Unfortunately, Karen de Wolf and Doane Hoag's screenplay is simply poor; the dialogue is stilted and lifeless, which certainly damages the courtroom scenes. More of a problem, however, is the fact that the story is simply unbelievable. It's poorly motivated and asks the viewer to accept too many lapses in logic. Under the circumstances, there's only so much that the players can do. Teresa Wright is sturdy as always and a pleasure to watch, but she's given nothing especially challenging to do. MacDonald Carey is fine, if a bit colorless, but John Craven is weak. If Siegel and Alton can't make a winner of Hours, they at least help make it much more watchable it really should be.
by Craig Butler
review
