The Tell-Tale Heart (1941)
Directed by Jules Dassin

Film Review

Recently recruited by MGM, Jules Dassin proved his mettle as a director with this chilling short adaptation of an Edgar Allan Poe story.  Adopting something of the expressionistic style of early German cinema, with harsh lighting and exaggerated use of shadows to create atmosphere, this haunting film presages Dassin's later film noir masterpieces, such as The Naked City (1948) and Du rififi chez les hommes (1955).

Film Synopsis

For many years a young weaver has had to endure the contempt and cruelty of his old master.  In the end, he can take no more and makes up his mind to kill the old man.  As he dies, the latter warns his murderer that he will not be able to withstand the guilt that his crime will bring him.  It isn't long before the old man's dire prediction comes true.  Every sound the young weaver hears seems to echo his guilt, and he imagines he can hear the beating of his victim's heart underneath the floorboards where his body now lies.  The arrival of two deputy sheriffs further unnerves the young man, and as they inspect the house he becomes increasingly overtaken by the desire to confess his crime...