Quick Summary
Footsteps in the Fog – A tense Victorian thriller in which a gentleman believes he has escaped punishment for poisoning his wife, only to be outwitted and blackmailed by his shrewd maid, starring Stewart Granger and Jean Simmons.
About This Program
Programme Overview
Footsteps in the Fog is a classic period thriller broadcast on Film4, offering UK television audiences a gripping glimpse into Victorian intrigue. The film centres on a self‑assured gentleman who believes he has successfully poisoned his wife, only to discover that his astute maid is fully aware of his crime and begins to blackmail him. With the tension of a tightly wound mystery and the atmospheric fog of 19th‑century England, this movie delivers a compelling blend of suspense and domestic drama.
What to Expect
Viewers can anticipate a tightly plotted narrative that unfolds within the shadowy corridors of a Victorian household. The gentleman’s confidence is steadily eroded as the maid’s cunning intelligence turns the tables, creating a cat‑and‑mouse dynamic that drives the story forward. The film’s period setting is rendered with meticulous attention to detail, immersing the audience in the social hierarchies and moral codes of the era while the fog‑laden streets heighten the sense of looming danger.
Production and Cast
The movie showcases the magnetic screen presence of Stewart Granger, whose portrayal of the aristocratic yet morally compromised husband anchors the drama. Opposite him, Jean Simmons delivers a nuanced performance as the shrewd maid, embodying both vulnerability and ruthless resolve. Their chemistry elevates the tension, making the power struggle between them both believable and enthralling for British TV viewers.
Why Watch
For fans of British drama and thriller enthusiasts, Footsteps in the Fog offers a rare combination of historical authenticity and psychological suspense. Its elegant cinematography, strong performances, and the timeless theme of secrets threatening to surface make it an appealing choice for Film4’s audience. The film not only entertains but also invites reflection on the darker aspects of Victorian society, ensuring it resonates with contemporary UK viewers seeking depth and intrigue in their television programming.
Footsteps in the Fog broadcasts on Film4 at 0:50pm, Wednesday, 5 November 2025. (Subtitles, repeat)

