The Tell-Tale Heart is a spooky gothic horror murder story based on the Edgar Allan Poe story written in 1843, staring Stanley Baker as the film’s only actor. The unnamed narrator endeavors to convince the reader of his sanity while simultaneously describing a murder he committed. The victim now haunts the narrators mind, driving his insane.
The film was missing for 50 years, rediscovered in 2017 when Jeff Wells, a 16mm enthusiast found the reel in his loft. It has now been digitally restored.
Cast: Stanley Baker.
Directed by: JB Williams
Written by: JB Williams
Based on: The Tell-Tale Heart by Edgar Allan Poe
Cast: Stanley Baker
Music by: Hans May
Cinematography: Basil Emmett
Edited by: Peter Curran
Length: 20 mins
Certificate: Unrated
Language: English
Format: Pro-res file (from 16 mm)
Date: Originally released 1953. Re-release, 16th November 2020, as part of the BFI’s ‘Short Sharp Shock’ collection.
Distributor: Adelphi Films via the BFI
Contact: bookings.films@bfi.org.uk / 020 7957 8938 or 020 7957 8935
