13 East Street

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13 East Street
13 East Street.jpg
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 byGerald Landau
Music by John Lanchbery
Production
company
Distributed by Eros Films
Release date
  • March 1952 (1952-03)
Running time
72 minutes
CountryUnited Kingdom
LanguageEnglish

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.

Contents

Plot

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

Production

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

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]

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References

  1. ↑ Chibnall, Steve; McFarlane, Brian (2009). The British 'B' Film. London: BFI/Bloomsbury. p. 85. ISBN   978-1-8445-7319-6.
  2. ↑ "13 East Street". British Film Institute Collections Search. Retrieved 24 October 2024.
  3. ↑ Mackillop, Ian; Sinyard, Neil (2018). British Cinema of the 1950s: A Celebration. Manchester University Press. p. 180.
  4. ↑ "13 East Street" . The Monthly Film Bulletin . 19 (216): 54. 1 January 1952 – via ProQuest.
  5. ↑ "13 East Street" . Kine Weekly . 420 (2332): 28. 6 March 1952 – via ProQuest.
  6. ↑ "13 East Street" . Picture Show . 58 (1526): 10. 28 June 1952 – via ProQuest.
  7. ↑ "13 East Street" . Picturegoer . 24: 17. 7 July 1952 – via ProQuest.
  8. ↑ Quinlan, David (1984). British Sound Films: The Studio Years 1928–1959. London: B.T. Batsford Ltd. p. 386. ISBN   0-7134-1874-5.
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