Breakaway is a 1955 British second feature ('B')[1] thriller film directed by Henry Cass and starring Tom Conway, Michael Balfour and Honor Blackman.[2][3] It was written by Norman Hudis based on a story by Manning O'Brine.[4] A private eye is hot on the tail of a stolen secret formula and a kidnapped young woman. It is a sequel to Barbados Quest (1955).
| Breakaway | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Original British quad poster | |
| Directed by | Henry Cass |
| Written by | Norman Hudis |
| Based on | an original story by Manning O'Brine |
| Produced by | Robert S. Baker Monty Berman |
| Starring | Tom Conway Michael Balfour Honor Blackman Brian Worth |
| Cinematography | Monty Berman |
| Edited by | Anne Barker |
| Music by | Stanley Black Ivor Slaney |
Production company | Cipa |
| Distributed by | RKO Radio Pictures (UK) |
Release date |
|
Running time | 72 minutes |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
Plot
editIn Berlin, Johnny Matlock obtains a secret formula from a dying scientist. On his return to London, Matlock and his girlfriend Diane are attacked by a gang who steal the formula and kidnap Diane. Private investigator Tom "Duke" Martin investigates.
Cast
edit- Tom Conway as Tom 'Duke' Martin
- Michael Balfour as Barney
- Honor Blackman as Paula Grant / Paula Jackson
- Brian Worth as Johnny Matlock
- Bruce Seton as Webb
- Freddie Mills as Pat
- Alexander Gauge as MacAllister
- John Horsley as Michael Matlock
- Paddy Webster as Diane Grant
- John Colicos as first kidnapper
- Larry Taylor as second kidnapper
- Arthur Lowe as Mitchell
- Frederick Schrecker as Professor Dohlmann
Critical reception
editThe Monthly Film Bulletin wrote: "A rather confused thriller, with some familiar London locations and a number of car chases. Tom Conway and Michael Balfour give reliable performances as the private detective and his moronic partner.[5]
Kine Weekly wrote: "Stoutly carpentered story, breezy light relief, pleasing romantic touches, hearty climax and quota ticket."[6]
Today's Cinema called the film "slickly manufactured crime entertainment."[7]
TV Guide called it an "absurd whodunit".[8]
In British Sound Films: The Studio Years 1928–1959 David Quinlan rated the film as "mediocre", writing: "Tedious thriller with regulation car chases."[9]
See also
edit- Barbados Quest (1955)
References
edit- ^ Chibnall, Steve; McFarlane, Brian (2009). The British 'B' Film. London: BFI/Bloomsbury. p. 89. ISBN 978-1-8445-7319-6.
- ^ "Breakaway". British Film Institute Collections Search. Retrieved 13 November 2024.
- ^ "Breakaway (1956)". Archived from the original on 20 February 2017.
- ^ "Breakaway". 16 July 1956 – via www.imdb.com.
- ^ "Breakaway". The Monthly Film Bulletin. 23 (264): 103. 1 January 1956 – via ProQuest.
- ^ "Breakaway". Kine Weekly. 471 (2552): 17. 12 July 1956 – via ProQuest.
- ^ Chibnall, Stephen; McFarlane, Brian (23 October 2009). The British 'B' Film. Palgrave Macmillan. ISBN 9781844575749 – via Google Books.
- ^ "Breakaway". TVGuide.com.
- ^ Quinlan, David (1984). British Sound Films: The Studio Years 1928–1959. London: B.T. Batsford Ltd. p. 287. ISBN 0-7134-1874-5.