I'll tell you why so serious

Great Film overall

The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

An old-fashioned movie made with new-fashioned finesse.

A London insurance adjuster (Jack Hawkins) compromises his principals when he covers up an arson/murder involving a former flame (Arlene Dahl), now married to another... A classy and classic example of the "Brit Noir", SHE PLAYED WITH FIRE is actually a Columbia Picture filmed at Shepperton Studios, England. Based on the novel "Fortune Is A Woman", this was the second of two British-made Columbia noirs starring ravishing Arlene Dahl -the first being WICKED AS THEY COME (aka "Portrait In Smoke" 1956). This one begins with a nightmare, unfolds in extended flashback (with intermittent voice-over), has a number of twists and turns, is set (for the most part) in a gloomy, Gothic manor house and is given some stylishly atmospheric touches by director Sidney Gilliat. Greta "Human Monster" Gynt has a brief but amusing role as the licentious Mrs. Litchens and Christopher Lee has a bit near the beginning as a vainglorious matinée idol. Ian Hunter and Dennis Price co-star.Overall, it's not very dark and if you feel as if you've been had at the end, it's because you have. Still, there's something about it...8/10

Thank God for Turner Classic Movies! You'd never see this in "The States" otherwise. Hawkins and Dahl (though both obviously older than the ages their roles call for) are great: He as a man caught in an ever-tightening noose by a series of very believable coincidences; She as the old flame who ignites emotions which lead him astray. Scenes in the manor are well-thought-out and very suspenseful. The lighting even adjusts as the moon slips between the clouds! The plot will keep you guessing when you think you know the score. 2 quibbles (which clarify themselves after viewing, but give nothing away here and now): 1) USA release is titled "She Played With Fire". They shoulda called it: "HE Played With Fire". 2) It doesn't end the way it begins. You'll see what I mean when you watch. And, by all means, do!

I saw this film when a child and it has haunted me ever since, mainly because of the very dark and disturbing dream sequences experienced by the insurance investigator played by Jack Hawkins.These are typically Sidney Gilliat with glimpses of vignettes - a technique he has used elsewhere as in his later underrated thriller Endless Night. Brilliantly conceived.As a previous reviewer has commented, the film captures London from the 50's very well - a London I remember as a kid so seeing it again by accident on afternoon TV recently was a nostalgic experience. A great old movie which should be on DVD.

Hawkins is an insurance investigator who coincidentally meets old flame Dahl who is married to dennis Price. The aftermath of this meeting includes two fires, a possible murder , blackmail and bigamy?? Sterling support from Geoffrey Keen and his real life father as Hawkins employers. There are enough red herrings here to keep everyone happy and Hawkins as always is superb. This is the kind of film that reminds everyone of an England that is no more. Slow cars, fur coats ,dancing and supper at a nightclub. Where Scotland yard looks it should and the coppers look like michael goodlife. The minor characters are well rounded and blend into a believable plot. And the old house in the fog coupled with the smoke from the fires remind us of the smog filled London of the 50s.Oh how I love old British films.