Deadly Nightshade (film)

The Monthly Film Bulletin wrote: "The various red herrings which keep on cropping up in this film are nobody's business, but it is all quite jolly and thrilling in its standard British second feature way."^[5]

Kine Weekly wrote: "The picture contains more talk than action, and the comedy relief is a bit heavy-handed, but competent performances by Emrys Jones, Zena Marshall and John Horsely prevent the interest from flagging."^[6]

Picturegoer wrote: "Emrys Jones gives a sensitive performance in the dual role, and his girl friend, played by Zena Marshall, and the police inspector (John Horsley) work hard. A conventional, but satisfying seat-gripper."^[7]

Picture Show wrote: "Ingenious melodrama of an escaped convict who, having killed his double, impersonates him until he learns that he been a saboteur engaged in smuggling atomic secrets out of the country. How the gang is subsequently rounded up causes plenty of suspense and brisk action. It is competently acted and directed."^[8]

TV Guide thought the idea was "done much better in Antonioni's The Passenger (1975)," but found the film, "still occasionally entertaining."^[9]

The Radio Times wrote, "In spite of its penury, this typical 1950s British crime quickie ... is curiously engaging...Although director John Gilling throws in a few Cornish coastal views, he's mostly confined to unconvincing sets, though the cheapskate look only adds to the charm."^[10]

In British Sound Films: The Studio Years 1928–1959 David Quinlan rated the film as "average", writing: "Conventional 'B' picture with plenty of incident."^[11]

• Deadly Nightshade at IMDb