MOSS ROSE. 20th Century Fox, 1947. Peggy Cummins, Victor Mature, Ethel Barrymore, Vincent Price, Margo Woode, George Zucco, Patricia Medina, Rhys Williams. Based on the novel The Crime of Laura Saurelle by Joseph Shearing. Director: Gregory Ratoff.

   A Victorian era murder mystery, in which a chorus girl first plays detective and then attempts a surprising sort of blackmail. The main clue in the death of her friend is a rose, found in a Bible at the scene of the crime.

   Peggy Cummings’ character is naive, audacious and charming, all at the same time. I found myself rooting for her, and I didn’t know why. As a mystery the story could have used some extra finesse, however. The finger of suspicion jumps a bit too quickly here.