The Challenge (1960 film)
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| The Challenge | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by | John Gilling |
| Written by | John Gilling |
| Produced by | John Temple-Smith |
| Starring | Jayne Mansfield and Anthony Quayle |
| Cinematography | Gordon Dines |
| Edited by | Alan Osbiston and John Victor-Smith |
| Music by | Bill McGuffie |
Production company | Alexandra |
| Distributed by | J. Arthur Rank Film Distributors (UK) |
Release date |
|
Running time | 101 minutes |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
The Challenge (U.S. title: It Takes a Thief), is a 1960 British neo noir crime film directed and written by John Gilling and starring Jayne Mansfield and Anthony Quayle.[1]
Billy Lacross is a ruthless gang leader who persuades Jim Maxton to take part in a big robbery. Maxton is shopped and convicted of the robbery. He serves his time, and returns home to his son. The gang want the money he buried but Maxton wants nothing more to do with it or them. The gang then kidnap Maxton's son and demand the money as ransom. There follows a race against time to save Maxton's son.
Cast
- Jayne Mansfield as Billy Lacross
- Anthony Quayle as Jim Maxton
- Carl Möhner as Kristy
- Peter Reynolds as Buddy[2]
- Barbara Mullen as Ma Piper
- Robert Brown as Bob Crowther
- Dermot Walsh as Detective Sergeant Willis
- Patrick Holt as Max
- Edward Judd as Detective Sergeant Gittens
- John Bennett as Spider
- Lorraine Clewes as Mrs. Rick
- Percy Herbert as shop steward
- John Stratton as Rick
- Liane Marelli as striptease artiste
- Bill McGuffie as nightclub pianist
- Peter Pike as Joey
- Lloyd Lamble as Dr.Westerly
- Victor Brooks as foreman
- John Wood as school inspector
Production
Mansfield made the film in England immediately after Too Hot to Handle. "I want a chance to prove myself in strong, dramatic roles," she said.[3]
The film was shot in England from 12 October to around December 1959. Mansfield flew back to America on the 16th, after she finished filming.[citation needed]