Highly Dangerous
1950 British film by Roy Ward Baker
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Highly Dangerous (U.S. title: Time Running Out[citation needed]) is a 1950 British spy film directed by Roy Ward Baker and starring Margaret Lockwood and Dane Clark.[1] It was written by Eric Ambler based on his 1936 novel The Dark Frontier. It was released in the USA by Lippert Pictures.[citation needed]
executive
Earl St. John
| Highly Dangerous | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by | Roy Ward Baker (as Roy Baker) |
| Written by | Eric Ambler |
| Produced by | Antony Darnborough executive Earl St. John |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Reginald H. Wyer |
| Edited by | Alfred Roome |
| Music by | Richard Addinsell |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | |
Release dates |
|
Running time | 88-90 minutes |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
Plot
Frances Gray is a British entomologist trying to stop a biological attack with the help of an American journalist.[2]
Cast
- Margaret Lockwood as Frances Gray
- Dane Clark as Bill Casey
- Marius Goring as Commandant Anton Razinski
- Naunton Wayne as Mr Hedgerley
- Wilfrid Hyde-White as Mr Luke (as Wilfrid Hyde White)
- Eugene Deckers as Alf
- Olaf Pooley as Detective-Interrogator
- Gladys Henson as attendant
- Paul Hardtmuth as priest
- Michael Hordern as lab director Owens
- George Benson as sandwich stand customer
- Eric Pohlmann as Joe
- Joan Haythorne as Judy
- Patric Doonan as customs man
- Anthony Newley as operator
- Anton Diffring as officer at station Checkpoint (uncredited)[citation needed]
Production
Margaret Lockwood had not made a film in 18 months following Madness of the Heart, and had been focusing on stage work.[3] Earl St John wanted a comeback vehicle and commissioned Eric Ambler to write a film specifically as a vehicle for Lockwood. Ambler had recently specialised in melodramas, but Highly Dangerous was a comedy thriller in the vein of Lockwood's earlier hits, The Lady Vanishes and Night Train to Munich.[4] It was directed by Roy Ward Baker, who had served with Ambler during the war.[5]
"One thing about Eric is that he presents you with a script that is beautifully finished in every detail", said Baker.[6] He added " Eric had invented a language for the people the other side of the curtain which wasn’t Russian or anything else and the poor actors had to learn this stuff. He was playing a game with that."[7]
"I think Margaret Lockwood wanted to play a modern woman", recalled Baker. "It was actually Eric Ambler's first or second book, although the book had a different title and its main character was a man; Eric changed it to a woman to make it more interesting".[8]
The studio wanted a Hollywood leading man to play opposite Lockwood. Wendell Corey was originally sought[9] before the role was given to Dane Clark, who had recently left Warner Bros. "He was just delivering a stock leading man movie performance, which was virtually nothing," said Baker. "He wasn’t very efficient. I think he fell in love with London. He also fell deeply in love with Jean Simmons, which was unrequited. He was a pillock, I’m afraid. Marius Goring played the Belgravian heavy; he was very heavy, I'm afraid. I couldn't control him at all. It was a satisfactory run of the mill picture."[7]
There was location work done in Trieste. "I found it very difficult to make anything of that location," said Baker. "I was a bit disappointed and to tell the truth I didn't do it very well. The reason I say that is that many years later... I realised I’d been trying to piece it together in a logical way, sticking to the topography of Trieste. I’d done myself an injury because the audience doesn't give a damn."[7]
Filming started at Pinewood Studios in June 1950.[10]
Baker later said that "Highly Dangerous wasn't a very successful picture.... It was a good idea although I don't think I did it very well."[11]
Reception
The Monthly Film Bulletin wrote: "Eric Ambler's script is a curious mixture of genuine adventure, and of comedy based on the recurrence of the Dick Barton theme. The adventures, unfortunately, follow an all too conventional pattern, and the comedy-burlesque only adds to their artificiality. It is particularly disappointing that a writer such as Eric Ambler should be involved in so undistinguished a thriller. Of the players, only Dane Clark succeeds in overcoming the obstacles of the script: Margaret Lockwood is as usual."[12]
Kine Weekly wrote: "The romp behind the Iron Curtain, perfectly handled by Margaret Lockwood and Dane Clark, leads to a box-office alternation of chuckles and chills. Grand fun, colourfully presented, it's certain to find favour with young and old alike."[13]
Variety wrote: "Miss Lockwood gives a smooth portrayal but fails to register adequate terror when given the third degree. Clark does well as the easy-going reporter. Marius Goring is a natural as police chief, while Naunton Wayne is a stern official of the Imperial General Staff. Wilfred Hyde-White contributes amother fine characterization as the British Charge D'Affaires, Roy Baker has directed with technical skill while lensing is sensitive."[14]
Film4 wrote: "An enjoyably silly British take on germ warfare and Cold War espionage."[15]