1954 British film by John Harlow
Dangerous Cargo is a 1954 British second feature[1] crime film directed by John Harlow starring Jack Watling, Susan Stephen and Karel Stepanek.[2] The film was produced by Stanley Haynes for ACT Films.[3] Daily Express crime reporter Percy Hoskins provided the story.[1]
Plot
Security man Tim Matthews works at London Airport. His wartime friend Harry, now a criminal working for master crook Pliny, forces him to reveal the details of the next gold shipment through the airport. Matthews' wife tells the police, who let the robbery plan unfold. When the gang get to the airport to steal the gold, the police are waiting.
Production
The film was shot at Walton Studios near London with sets designed by the art director Don Russell.
Critical reception
Monthly Film Bulletin wrote: "A rather pedestrian "crook " story of a familiar type. Susan Stephen, as Janie Matthews, engagingly makes the most of a flimsy part."[4]
Kine Weekly wrote: "Compact, skilfully carpentered romantic crime melodrama. ... Warm domestic byplay neatly balances the rough stuff and, together with authentic detail, contributes to a happy, thrill-packed climax. Women, as well as men, should find the lively capsule easy to swallow and digest ... Jack Watling thoroughly convinces as the true-blue, though completely ingenuous Tim, Susan Stephen makes an engaging Jane, and Karel Stcpanck is in his clement as the evil Pliny. Supporting players, too, are natural, Colourful dog racing and nightclub sequences effectively punctuate tender fireside scenes, and contrast subtly underlines the moral of the salutary closely knit tale."[5]
In British Sound Films: The Studio Years 1928–1959 David Quinlan rated the film as "average", writing: "Bright performances lift ordinary melodrama."[6]
