The Man Upstairs (1958 film)

The Monthly Film Bulletin wrote: "In its situation, its skilful use of suspense and even some of its details (the alarm clock, the trapped man shouting to the crowd) this film recalls Le Jour Se Léve [1939]. But in this case the focus is less on the man than on the reactions of the people around him; argument is substituted for lyricism and the conflict between kindness and brute force, despite occasional over-simplification, is absorbing. Editing and direction are crisp, while the characters are nicely pointed in the script and acting. If Richard Attenborough cannot repeat the performance of [Jean] Gabin he is effective within the compass of the part and supporting roles are uniformly well played."^[5]

TV Guide wrote, "a superb performance from Attenborough is at the core of this character study."^[6]

The New York Times singled out Alun Falconer's "script, the tight direction by Don Chaffey, and the performances of the principals", and noted, "although they (the performances) do not make The Man Upstairs extraordinary, they give this modest effort the sheen of honesty and quality."^[7]

Leslie Halliwell said: "Character melodrama reminiscent of both Fourteen Hours [1951] and Le Jour se lève [1939], but not as interesting as either."^[8]

In British Sound Films: The Studio Years 1928–1959 David Quinlan rated the film as "very good", writing: "Nerve-wracking suspense is sensibly kept tight."^[9]

The Radio Times Guide to Films gave the film 3/5 stars, writing: "Le Jour Se Lève (1939) starred Jean Gabin as a killer who barricades himself in his attic flat. It was remade in 1947 as The Long Night with Henry Fonda, and this too is a remake, with Richard Attenborough going bonkers upstairs while the police downstairs try to calm him down. The motivation has changed (he blames himself for his fiancée's brother's death), but the dramatic set-up is identical and makes for some agreeable tension."^[10]

• The Man Upstairs at IMDb