FOG ISLAND

FOG ISLAND (1945). Director: Terry Morse.

Bitter Leo Grainger (George Zucco), who spent five years in prison, lives on a spooky island with his stepdaughter, Gail (Sharon Douglas), whose mother was murdered on the island. Leo invites a bunch of former associates to the island with a view to discovering who did the deed -- and getting even with those who betrayed him. Guests -- who believe there's a cache of money hidden on the island -- include John Kavanaugh (Jerome Cowan), lady astrologer and seeress Emily (Jacquline DeWit), Sylvia Jordan (Veda Ann Borg), and Jeff Kingsley (John Whitney), the son of a deceased associate. Atmospheric -- and very, very foggy -- this is one of the better PRC poverty row features, with a satisfying wind-up and some very good acting. Zucco and Atwill are as marvelous as ever, Cowan is excellent, and DeWit and Borg are typically vital. The movie isn't as predictable as you might imagine, and has a vivid musical score by Karl Hajos.

Verdict: We can all use some fog now and then. ***.