Dangerous Cargo is a 1954 British second feature[1] crime film directed by John Harlow starring Jack Watling, Susan Stephen and Karel Stepanek.[2] The film was produced by Stanley Haynes for ACT Films.[3] Daily Express crime reporter Percy Hoskins provided the story.[1]
| Dangerous Cargo | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by | John Harlow |
| Written by | Percy Hoskins Stanley Haynes |
| Produced by | Stanley Haynes |
| Starring | Jack Watling Susan Stephen Karel Stepanek |
| Cinematography | Lionel Banes |
| Edited by | Adam Dawson |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | Monarch Film Corporation |
Release date | 21 June 1954 |
Running time | 61 minutes |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
Plot edit
Security man Tim Matthews works at London Airport. His wartime friend Harry, now a criminal working for master crook Pliny, forces him to reveal the details of the next gold shipment through the airport. Matthews' wife tells the police, who let the robbery plan unfold. When the gang get to the airport to steal the gold, the police are waiting.
Cast edit
- Jack Watling as Tim Matthews
- Susan Stephen as Janie Matthews
- Karel Stepanek as Pliny
- Richard Pearson as Noel
- Terence Alexander as Harry
- John Le Mesurier as Luigi
- Ballard Berkeley as Findley
- Genine Graham as Diana
- John Longden as Worthington
- Trevor Reid as Watson
- Arthur Rigby as Feathers
- John H. Watson as Tomkins
- Arthur Mullard as thug
Production edit
The film was shot at Walton Studios near London with sets designed by the art director Don Russell.
Critical reception edit
Monthly Film Bulletin wrote: "A rather pedestrian "crook " story of a familiar type. Susan Stephen, as Janie Matthews, engagingly makes the most of a flimsy part."[4]
Kine Weekly wrote: "Compact, skilfully carpentered romantic crime melodrama. ... Warm domestic byplay neatly balances the rough stuff and, together with authentic detail, contributes to a happy, thrill-packed climax. Women, as well as men, should find the lively capsule easy to swallow and digest ... Jack Watling thoroughly convinces as the true-blue, though completely ingenuous Tim, Susan Stephen makes an engaging Jane, and Karel Stcpanck is in his clement as the evil Pliny. Supporting players, too, are natural, Colourful dog racing and nightclub sequences effectively punctuate tender fireside scenes, and contrast subtly underlines the moral of the salutary closely knit tale."[5]
In British Sound Films: The Studio Years 1928–1959 David Quinlan rated the film as "average", writing: "Bright performances lift ordinary melodrama."[6]
References edit
- ^ a b Chibnall, Steve; McFarlane, Brian (2009). The British 'B' Film. London: BFI/Bloomsbury. p. 106. ISBN 978-1-8445-7319-6.
- ^ "Dangerous Cargo". British Film Institute Collections Search. Retrieved 3 December 2023.
- ^ Action! Fifty Years in the Life of a Union. Published: 1983 (UK). Publisher: ACTT. ISBN 0 9508993 0 5. ACT Films Limited - Ralph Bond p81 (producer listed as Stanley Haynes)
- ^ "Dangerous Cargo". Monthly Film Bulletin. 21 (240): 103. 1954 – via ProQuest.
- ^ "Dangerous Cargo". Kine Weekly. 446 (2448): 20. 27 May 1954 – via ProQuest.
- ^ Quinlan, David (1984). British Sound Films: The Studio Years 1928–1959. London: B.T. Batsford Ltd. p. 298. ISBN 0-7134-1874-5.
