The second Hammer production was written and directed by Denison Clift from a scenario by Charles Larkworthy and revolves around the legend of the Mary Celeste, the brig that set sail from New York in 1872 and was subsequently found crewless, adrift in the Atlantic. The plot here revolves around Captain Briggs (Arthur Margetson) who takes his new bride Sarah (Shirley Grey) with him on a voyage with a ragbag crew of ne'er-do-wells, including the mysterious Lorenzen (Béla Lugosi). One-by-one the crew begins to disappear. "The Mystery of the Mary Celeste" is obviously a low budget effort but it is extremely well done for all that. The story and characters are interesting and the mystery is cleverly introduced and well-handled throughout. Director Denison Clift creates plenty of good maritime atmosphere and on-board paranoia. The actors all play their parts well but it is Bela Lugosi who steals the show demonstrating plenty of dramatic range in quite an emotional role. ( )