The Frightened Man (also known as Rosselli and Son) is a 1952 British second feature[1] crime film directed and written by John Gilling and starring Dermot Walsh, Barbara Murray and Charles Victor.[2] An antiques dealer suffers a dramatic fall from grace.
| The Frightened Man | |
|---|---|
.jpg) | |
| 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 |
|
Running time | 69 minutes |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
Plot
editAntiques 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 senior who, unknown to Julius, is a partner in the gang.
Cast
edit- 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
Production
editIt was shot at Twickenham and Riverside Studios.
Critical reception
editThe Monthly Film Bulletin wrote: "A well constructed thriller: efficient performances, particularly from Charles Victor, and adequate suspense."[3]
TV Guide wrote: "this decent crime drama was written and directed by John Gilling, known for his efficient low-budget adventures and thrillers."[4]
In British Sound Films: The Studio Years 1928–1959 David Quinlan rated the film as "average", writing: "Adequate thriller of passing interest, quite well developed."[5]
Britmovie called 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."
Film historians Steve Chibnall and Brian McFarlane note that "the film won considerable praise for being authentically staged, effectively directed, 'thrilling and human'."[1]
References
edit- ^ a b Chibnall, Steve; McFarlane, Brian (2009). The British 'B' Film. London: BFI/Bloomsbury. p. 128. ISBN 978-1-8445-7319-6.
- ^ "The Frightened Man". British Film Institute Collections Search. Retrieved 6 January 2024.
- ^ "The Frightened Man". The Monthly Film Bulletin. 19 (216): 50. 1 January 1952 – via ProQuest.
- ^ "The Frightened Man Trailer, Reviews and Schedule for The Frightened Man | TVGuide.com". Movies.tvguide.com. Retrieved 14 April 2014.
- ^ Quinlan, David (1984). British Sound Films: The Studio Years 1928–1959. London: B.T. Batsford Ltd. p. 312. ISBN 0-7134-1874-5.
External links
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