Thunder on the Hill

A nun (Claudette Colbert) races against time to prove the innocence of a convicted murderess (Ann Blyth) who is being escorted to prison for a date with the gallows in Thunder on the Hill. Based on the popular British play Bonaventure, this moody mystery serves up many twists and is distinguished by one of Claudette Colbert's most intriguing and least-known performances. In addition to Douglas Sirk's fast-paced direction, the film is enriched by Hans J. Salter's stirring dramatic score, a first rate supporting cast and the luminous black and white cinematography of William H. Daniels, who helped immortalize the screen personas of Greta Garbo and Norma Shearer during his MGM period.