Stryker of the Yard | |
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![]() Theatrical release poster | |
Directed by | Arthur Crabtree |
Written by | Lester Powell Guy Morgan |
Starring | Clifford Evans Susan Stephen Jack Watling |
Music by | Lambert Williamson |
Production company | |
Running time | 67 minutes |
Country | United Kingdom |
Language | English |
Stryker of the Yard (also known as Stryker of Scotland Yard, Scotland Yard Cases and Inspector Stryker) is a 1953 British second feature ('B') [1] crime film directed by Arthur Crabtree and starring Clifford Evans, Susan Stephen, Jack Watling and Eliot Makeham. [2] [3] It was written by Lester Powell and Guy Morgan.
The film comprises two episodes of the British television series Stryker of the Yard, edited together: "The Case of the Studio Payroll" and "The Case of Uncle Henry". A second compilation film, Companions in Crime, followed in 1954. [4]
The 15-episode TV series, starring Evans, George Woodbridge, and Tim Turner [5] was produced by William N. Boyle in 1953–1954 and broadcast in the U.S. by ABC in 1957, and in Britain by ATV in 1962–1963. [1] [6] Host Tom Fallon introduced each episode, and at the end of each story intoned: "And it just goes to show that crime does not pay." [5] The episode "The Case of Uncle Henry" is believed lost. [7]
(1) refers to "The Case of the Studio Payroll"; (2) refers to "The Case of Uncle Henry".
The Monthly Film Bulletin wrote: "To give this 'double-decker' a convincing appearance, it is introduced by an ex-Scotland Yard officer. This, however, cannot cover up the improbable plots and poor script. Not even the conscientious playing – notably by Eliot Makeham as Uncle Henry – succeeds in bringing the film to life." [8]
In British Sound Films: The Studio Years 1928–1959 David Quinlan rated the film as "mediocre", writing: "Light-hearted, light-weight sleuthing; only Makeham brings it to life." [9]