Is The Third Alibi Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, The Third Alibi is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Thriller movies.
It features a runtime of 68 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Third Alibi Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1961, The Third Alibi emerges as a significant entry in the Thriller, Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A composer (Laurence Payne) is stuck in a middle-class marriage and finds that his affair with his wife's half-sister (Jane Griffiths) has resulted in a pregnancy. Unlike standard genre fare, The Third Alibi attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Thriller is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Third Alibi features a noteworthy lineup led by Laurence Payne . Supported by the likes of Patricia Dainton and Jane Griffiths , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Third Alibi (1961) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.5/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Third Alibi Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Third Alibi is a Thriller, Drama film that builds tension through unpredictable twists and keeps audiences guessing until the final reveal. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
The Third Alibi Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Third Alibi concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to thriller resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the thriller themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Third Alibi reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Third Alibi?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Thriller films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want suspenseful moments and mystery
Advertisement
Full Cast & Crew of The Third Alibi
- Laurence Payne – Norman Martell
- Patricia Dainton – Helen Martell
- Jane Griffiths – Peggy Hill
- Edward Underdown – Dr. Peter Murdoch
- John Arnatt – Supt. Ross
Top Highlights
Laurence PayneNorman Martell
Patricia DaintonHelen Martell
Jane GriffithsPeggy Hill
Edward UnderdownDr. Peter Murdoch
John ArnattSupt. Ross
Humphrey LestocqSimmons, the Producer
Lucy GriffithsMiss Potter
Olive MilbourneMrs. Booth
Arthur HewlettMarshall
Annette KerrCinema cashier
Where to Watch The Third Alibi Online?
Streaming HubParents Guide & Age Rating
The Third Alibi has not been officially rated yet. Based on its genres (Thriller, Drama), it contains mature themes, violence.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.5/10, and global collection metrics, The Third Alibi stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1961 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Third Alibi movie hit or flop?
The Third Alibi has received mixed reviews with a 6.5/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Third Alibi worth watching?
The Third Alibi is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Thriller, Drama movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Third Alibi online?
The Third Alibi may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked The Third Alibi
How The Third Alibi Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for The Third Alibi
This is quite an intriguing murder mystery about a vain composer ("Norman") who has an affair with his sister-in-law ("Peggy"). When she becomes pregnant his wife ("Helen") refuses to divorce him so he and his mistress set about devising a cunning plan to be rid of her. It's quite a simple story, but told with plenty of twists and turns that keep the whole pot boiling nicely. Patricia Dainton is superb as the wife and John Arnatt as the slightly Priestley-esque "Superintendent Ross".
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
