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The Third Day

The Third Day shapes up as an interesting and sometimes suspenseful drama revolving around a man fighting amnesia and faced with a manslaughter rap. The production is adapted from Joseph Hayes' novel.

The Third Day shapes up as an interesting and sometimes suspenseful drama revolving around a man fighting amnesia and faced with a manslaughter rap. The production is adapted from Joseph Hayes’ novel.

A chief weakness lies in the lack of script development of how George Peppard, who has lost all recollection of a 24-hour period during which a young woman meets her death, regains his memory.

Film opens on Peppard climbing a steep bank from a river into which he obviously plunged, but he cannot remember what happened or who he is. He learns he’s married to a beautiful aristocrat whom he’s about to lose because he’s a drunk, and is about to be talked into selling the family business.

Peppard delivers an expert enactment and Elizabeth Ashley, as his wife, lends a colorful note as she handles a well-played role. Roddy McDowall socks over a conniving character and a standout performance is offered by Mona Washbourne in a warm and understanding characterization, perhaps the most memorable delineation of the picture.

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The Third Day

  • Production: Warner. Director Jack Smight; Producer Jack Smight; Screenplay Burton Wohl, Robert Presnell Jr; Camera Robert Surtees; Editor Stefan Arnsten; Music Percy Faith; Art Director Edward Carrere
  • Crew: (Color) Widescreen. Extract of a review from 1965. Running time: 119 MIN.
  • With: George Peppard Elizabeth Ashley Roddy McDowall Arthur O'Connell Mona Washbourne Herbert Marshall

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