13 East Street
| 13 East Street | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by | Robert S. Baker |
| Written by | John Gilling Carl Nystrom Robert S. Baker |
| Produced by | Monty Berman Robert S. Baker |
| Starring | Patrick Holt Sandra Dorne Sonia Holm |
| Cinematography | Monty Berman |
| Edited by | Gerald Landau |
| Music by | John Lanchbery |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | Eros Films |
Release date |
|
Running time | 72 minutes |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
13 East Street is a 1952 British second feature ('B')[1] crime thriller film directed by Robert S. Baker and starring Patrick Holt, Sandra Dorne and Sonia Holm.[2][3] It was written by John Gilling, Carl Nystrom and Baker and produced by Tempean Films.
Plot
[edit]In order to break up a gang trading in stolen goods, a Scotland Yard detective assumes the identity of a criminal and goes undercover. He robs a jewellery shop and is sentenced to prison so that he can gain the confidence of the gang's leaders and infiltrate their organisation.
Cast
[edit]- Patrick Holt as Insp. Gerald Blake
- Sandra Dorne as Judy
- Sonia Holm as Joan Blake
- Robert Ayres as Larry Conn
- Dora Bryan as Valerie
- Michael Balfour as Joey Long
- Hector MacGregor as Supt. Duncan
- Michael Brennan as George Mack
- Alan Judd as Sgt. Follett
- Michael Ward as barman
- Alan Gordon as Murray
- Harry Towb as Ray
- Frank Forsyth as prison officer
- Edward Evans as van driver
- Charles Paton as jeweller
- Barry MacGregor as boy with football
- Andreas Malandrinos as cafe owner
Production
[edit]The film was shot at Twickenham Studios with some location shooting around London. The film's sets were designed by the art director Andrew Mazzei.
Reception
[edit]The Monthly Film Bulletin wrote: "A definite, and quite successful, attempt has been made to emulate the undercover man tradition of the F.B.I. Substitute a London location for any such American film, and you surely arrive at 13 East Street. Conventionally, but adequately, plotted and executed."[4]
Kine Weekly wrote: "The picture has one or two loose ends and a few careless technical faults, but otherwise it's spirited and exciting pulp fiction. The principal players set a good pace and there is just enough sex to colour its rugged, if familiar, rough stuff."[5]
Picture Show wrote: "There is plenty of action, it is agreeably acted and authentic London backgrounds lend interest."[6]
Picturegoer wrote: "Lively and workmanlike thriller, with well-sustained tension and plenty of suspense. ... In a fast-moving climax, a chase over rooftops is particularly exciting. Backgrounds and characterizations are right in key, while competent acting makes the best of the tale. ... Modest, but satisfying."[7]
In British Sound Films: The Studio Years 1928–1959 David Quinlan rated the film as "average", writing: "Conventional crime 'B' with good chase climax."[8]
References
[edit]- ^ Chibnall, Steve; McFarlane, Brian (2009). The British 'B' Film. London: BFI/Bloomsbury. p. 85. ISBN 978-1-8445-7319-6.
- ^ "13 East Street". British Film Institute Collections Search. Retrieved 24 October 2024.
- ^ Mackillop, Ian; Sinyard, Neil (2018). British Cinema of the 1950s: A Celebration. Manchester University Press. p. 180.
- ^ "13 East Street". The Monthly Film Bulletin. 19 (216): 54. 1 January 1952 – via ProQuest.
- ^ "13 East Street". Kine Weekly. 420 (2332): 28. 6 March 1952 – via ProQuest.
- ^ "13 East Street". Picture Show. 58 (1526): 10. 28 June 1952 – via ProQuest.
- ^ "13 East Street". Picturegoer. 24: 17. 7 July 1952 – via ProQuest.
- ^ Quinlan, David (1984). British Sound Films: The Studio Years 1928–1959. London: B.T. Batsford Ltd. p. 386. ISBN 0-7134-1874-5.