User Reviews

Typical British support feature from the 1950s, remarkable only for the cast of well-known TV faces. It suffers from a very short running time requiring acceptance of things without a full explanation, and this is irritating. Ex-pat Yank, Robert Ayres, plays Ellison a suicidal failed writer who tries to drown himself. However, his attempt is interrupted by Sellars, who takes him to a house where his partner Cruden puts a proposition to our man. Basically he wants Ellison to act as front man for a criminal enterprise and be willing to die if necessary in order that the partners can escape. The obvious plot hole gapes before us but, Ellison agrees for a fee in order to support his daughter, and starts to make himself obvious about town. By now the economy of the screenplay will be apparent. It is not revealed how Sellars was aware of Ellison's suicide intentions, nor are we provided with any details of the criminal enterprise. All we know is that it involves big money investors. The accidental (literally) arrival of Anne Curlew throws a spanner in the works. Ellison rediscovers his mojo and writes a bestseller, making him lots of money, all inside two minutes of screen time! Suddenly he doesn't need the deal anymore but, Sellars and Cruden won't let him out of it and take Anne hostage. Cruden is looking to wind up the scheme but Sellars double-crosses him, only pretending to shoot Ellison. A sub-plot involving matching hand-writing gets Cruden arrested and there is a final punch-up in a warehouse down at the quay where Sellars intends to get away.. Older viewers will recognise the likes of Bruce Seton , Alan Wheatley, Michael Balfour and Ballard Berkely. The lovely June Thorburn doesn't have much to do except look helpless and younger viewers will find it quaint that the realisation of the loot requires the cashing of one enormous cheque at the bank. Produced by Robert Baker and Monty Berman of The Saint fame. Could have been done better with a bit more screen time.

A straightforward British crime B-movie, just an hour long in length. Robert Ayres plays a suicidal guy who meets up with a criminal gang who agree to pay him if they'll be a front for their nefarious activities for the next couple of years. He agrees but later changes his mind, leading to trouble. A great genteel villain turn from Alan Wheatley and the ever-likeable Michael Balfour in support make this one fun.

A suicidal man is persuaded to lead a new life as a cover for a criminal with the proviso that at the end of 18 months he will be killed so that his body will be mistaken for the criminal who will escape abroad. His motive for agreeing is that a lot of money will go to his young daughter from whom he is estranged. An interesting plot that twists and turns until the end. It keeps one watching and it comes in at just under the hour so there is not much filler thankfully.

Robert Ayres as the suicidal man is not that interesting unfortunately but Alan Wheatley and Bruce Seton as the villains are excellent. They play off each other very well and their scenes are the best in the film. Michael Balfour plays a cheerful Cockney, a role he often did but seldom badly. June Thorburn is radiant as always but only has a minor role as the romantic interest.

It is a pleasant enough viewing experience.