A missing child, a gaslit mother, and a director who hated the original ending

Entertainment · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: When Ann Lake reports her daughter missing, the authorities find no record the child ever existed. This 1965 psychological thriller, directed by Otto Preminger, turns a mother's frantic search into a nightmare of doubt. It remains a masterclass in tension, featuring a haunting score and a uniquely restrictive theatrical release.

Based on the 1957 novel by Merriam Modell, the film follows Ann Lake, an American mother in London who discovers her daughter, Bunny, has vanished from preschool. The mystery deepens when school staff claim they never saw the child, and Ann’s brother, Steven, begins to cast doubt on his sister's sanity. Preminger, dissatisfied with the novel’s conclusion, commissioned extensive rewrites from John and Penelope Mortimer to alter the identity of the antagonist, shifting the story into a dark exploration of obsession and psychological instability.

The production utilized iconic London locations, including Cannon Hall and the Barry Elder Doll Museum, to craft a claustrophobic, sinister atmosphere. Preminger’s commitment to his vision extended to the audience experience; mirroring the release of Psycho, he enforced a strict no-late-admissions policy, warning viewers that no one could enter once the clock began ticking. This rigid control was matched by innovative marketing, including an early promotional tie-in with the British rock band the Zombies, who provided songs for the soundtrack and recorded radio advertisements for the film.

Critics remain divided on the film's legacy. While some praised its fast-paced, chilling exploration of a fractured mind, others, such as Bosley Crowther, argued the plot lacked basic common sense. The narrative has been frequently linked to the classic urban legend of a woman who returns to a Parisian hotel only to find her room and her mother have vanished, with staff denying their existence. Despite these debates, the film maintains a strong reputation, holding an 87% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and serving as a notable example of mid-century suspense cinema.

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