Lovesusti The Worst Film Ever

Intcatinfo A Masterpiece!

Calum Hutton It's a good bad... and worth a popcorn matinée. While it's easy to lament what could have been...

Philippa All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

JohnHowardReid On the same VCI "Hammer Film Noir" disc as "The Glass Tomb", is "Paid To Kill" (1954). This film, also known as "Five Days", is another unlikely venture for the credited Montgomery Tully. It is also excitingly photographed (for around half its length anyway) in true noir style by Jimmy Harvey. This one doesn't have the same all-pervasive noir mood of "The Glass Tomb", but mostly reserves these effects for the action scenes. On the other hand, the premise, whilst somewhat outlandish, is a rather suspenseful one, even though those of us who are used to the twists and turns of the average whodunit, will probably guess the solution. Nonetheless, the acting is solid, especially from delightfully seedy Paul Carpenter in one of his best roles ever as the "friend in need", and from Thea Gregory as the glamorous wife. Dane Clark walks through his role as the distracted company director with his usual assurance, while Howard Marion Crawford has a ball as an eccentric Egyptologist. Newspaperman, film critic and novelist Paul Tabori wrote the suspenseful story and screenplay.

dougdoepke Looks like budget-minded Lippert productions got more bang for their buck in England than in the US. This is a well-produced crime drama, with a tight script and some good touches. Nevill's (Clark) a not very likable business bigshot, (note that he treats his board of directors with uncalled for abruptness). Trouble is his latest big deal is failing, so, in desperation, he arranges his own death. That way his wife Andrea can collect insurance and be taken care of. His plan is to hire associate Paul to do the job. But surprise, the business deal suddenly goes through and Nevill's vindicated. Now he's got to stop Paul from carrying out his part. Nonetheless, it appears that Paul's gone away. Yet, surprise, somebody really is trying to kill Nevill. But if it's not Paul, who is it and why.Clark delivers an exemplary performance. Notice his subtle facial expressions to fit the mood. There're some good touches, like the suspenseful father in the park or the colorfully blustery Hyson, neither of which affects the plot but does add atmosphere. And catch that very last shot, suggesting that Nevill's obsession is not yet spent, despite the attempts to kill him, while poor Joan comes trailing after. It also suggests a sneaky subtext that might otherwise go unnoticed amid the murder plots. To me, the movie's much better than expected for a Lippert production. The movie's got mystery, suspense, and atmosphere, plus Clark's motivated turn. So catch it if you can.

wes-connors After his London-based "Amalgamated Industries" suffers a devastating loss, American businessman Dane Clark (as James "Jim" Nevill) decides to end it all. This is going to be a strange suicide, however. In order for his wife to benefit from a life insurance policy, Mr. Clark asks an old friend to commit the murder. At first, sleazy hit-man Paul Carpenter (as Paul Kirby) refuses. But Clark makes Mr. Carpenter mad during a fight, and threatens blackmail, too. Finally, Carpenter agrees to kill Clark, within five days. Once the deal is set, Clark's failed business deal reverses. Now, he must stop himself from being murdered...Writer Paul Tabori adds a couple of surprises to this formulaic story. You can make accurate predictions, but you'll need to revise them. Director Montgomery Tully does well in dark alleys and seedy diners. Second-billed secretary Cecile Chevreau (as Joan Peterson) sends out the right signals, indicating she's interested in her boss. Clark is faithful to pretty wife Thea Gregory (as Andrea), however. Not seen as often as partner (spouse equivalent) Dirk Bogarde, tall blond Anthony Forwood (as Peter Glanville) is impressive. British players shine in small, uncredited roles.****** Paid to Kill (6/25/54) Montgomery Tully ~ Dane Clark, Cecile Chevreau, Paul Carpenter, Anthony Forwood

Terrell-4 If Paid to kill had had a more complex leading man, a sharper and less careless script, better actors, a director who knew how to sustain tension and a show-down that was considerably less over-wrought, there might have been a competent and tension-filled noir. Faint praise, I know. Yet there are the bones for a nasty little thriller here; it's just that the flesh on those bones is weak. James Nevill (Dane Clark) is president of a British company that does something we're never sure of. The name is Amalgamated Industries. He's a hard-charging gambler, successful, and confident to a fault. When a major deal falls through, his company teeters on the brink of bankruptcy. So does he. No one knows this except himself and his loyal and attractive secretary, Joan. So he does what so many chief executives facing public failure would do...he arranges to have himself murdered so that his insurance will go to his wife. Then when the deal turns out to be a success, Jim can't locate the killer and tell him to forget it. Soon, Jim is being beaten on the head, chased down by a car on a lonely street and nearly blown up in his office. Joan, in whom he has confided, is determined to help the man she secretly loves. Jim's wife, on the other hand, may not be trying to help Jim. It all comes together late at night in the garden house of Jim's mansion. Let's just say that there are no surprises as all the key cast members show up. Dane Clark was a short actor who came across as intense, confident and tough. To my way of thinking, however, he was never entirely convincing winning a fist-fight with a bigger guy. In Paid to Kill, I also wonder what sort of direction, if any, he was given. His hard-charging, hard headed American CEO of a British company is almost a caricature. It's a one note performance. The other actors fare little better, with acting that's awfully close to soap opera standards. The premise of Paid to Kill is intriguing but the execution leaves a lot to be desired.