The Frightened Man
The Frightened Man is a 1952 British crime film directed by John Gilling and starring Dermot Walsh, Barbara Murray and Charles Victor.[1] It is also known by the alternative title of Rosselli and Son and was shot at Twickenham and Riverside Studios. Its plot concerns a son of an antiques dealer who suffers a dramatic fall from grace.
The Frightened Man | |
---|---|
Directed by | John Gilling |
Written by | John Gilling |
Produced by | Robert S. Baker Monty Berman |
Starring | Dermot Walsh Barbara Murray Charles Victor |
Cinematography | Monty Berman |
Edited by | Jack Slade |
Music by | John Lanchbery |
Production company | |
Distributed by | Eros Films |
Release date | March 1952 |
Running time | 69 minutes |
Country | United Kingdom |
Language | English |
Plot
Antiques dealer Roselli's dreams for his son Julius are disappointed when the young man is sent down from Oxford University for bad behaviour. Julius then gets involved with a gang of Camden Town jewel thieves. When they attempt to rob a warehouse Julius is injured in the getaway, but he continues his involvement and formulates a plan to steal diamonds from his wife’s employer in Hatton Garden. The gang leader agrees, but intends to cut out Roselli snr who, unknown to Julius is a partner in the gang. [2][3]
Cast
- Dermot Walsh as Julius Roselli
- Barbara Murray as Amanda
- Charles Victor as Mr Roselli
- John Blythe as Maxie
- Michael Ward as Cornelius Hart
- Thora Hird as Vera
- John Horsley as Harry Armstrong
- Annette D. Simmonds as Marcella
- Martin Benson as Alec Stone
- Ballard Berkeley as Inspector Bligh
- Peter Bayliss as Bilton
- Thomas Gallagher as Matthews
Critical reception
- TV Guide wrote: "this decent crime drama was written and directed by John Gilling, known for his efficient low-budget adventures and thrillers."[2]
- Britmovie calls the film a "decent if unremarkable second-feature crime drama featuring Irish actor Dermot Walsh...Walsh's father is played by experienced character actor Charles Victor, who performs his role with quiet, self-effacing distinction."
- The film historians Steve Chibnall and Brian McFarlane note that "the film won considerable praise for being authentically staged, effectively directed, 'thrilling and human'.".[4]
References
- "BFI | Film & TV Database | The FRIGHTENED MAN (1952)". Ftvdb.bfi.org.uk. 16 April 2009. Archived from the original on 14 January 2009. Retrieved 14 April 2014.
- "The Frightened Man Trailer, Reviews and Schedule for The Frightened Man | TVGuide.com". Movies.tvguide.com. Retrieved 14 April 2014.
- "The Frightened Man 1951 | Britmovie | Home of British Films". Britmovie. Retrieved 14 April 2014.
- Steve Chibnall & Brian McFarlane, The British 'B' Film, Palgrave Macmillan, London, 2009, p. 85.