The Inheritance (1947) review

Upon the passing of her father, sixteen-year-old Caroline Ruthyn (Jean Simmons) inherits his estate (and riches) and she's immediately sent to live with her drunken uncle Silas (Derrick De Marney) who she 'idolizes' ... except he - with the assistance of loathsome governess Madame de la Rougierre (Katina Paxinou) - plans on having her taken out.  Aside from an unhealthy amount of questionable acting, this Gothic "thriller" (based on the book by Sheridan Le Fanu) is missing any surprises since all of its moves are telegraphed well in advance ... plus, most of the male characters are creepy cretins and Caroline's completely useless (she eventually has to be saved by her suitor on horseback).  The two possible reasons to watch it are for Simmons' loveliness and the set design: who wouldn't want to read a nice novel wrapped in a blanket in front of a fire while a wobbly butler delivers a hot toddy?