Stolen Time
| Company type | Film |
|---|---|
| Industry | Film |
| Founded | 1955 |
| Founder | Charles Deane |
| Products | Crime drama film |
Stolen Time, known in the United States as Blonde Blackmailer, is a 1955 British crime drama produced as a second feature ('B' movie). The film was both written and directed by Charles Deane and features performances by Richard Arlen, Susan Shaw, and Vincent Ball.
Plot
Tony Pelassier, having spent seven years imprisoned for a murder he did not commit, embarks on a quest to identify the true perpetrator with the assistance of his girlfriend, Marie. Their investigation points them toward Carole Carlton, a model who is killed before they have the chance to question her. Ultimately, Pelassier discovers the murderer, who admits to both homicides while law enforcement officers secretly listen in.
Cast
- Richard Arlen as Tony Pelassier
- Susan Shaw as Carole Carlton
- Constance Leigh as Marie
- Vincent Ball as Johnson
- Andreas Malandrinos as Papa Pelassier
- Alathea Siddons as Mama Pelassier
- Reginald Hearne as Inspector Martin
- Howard Lang as Scotland Yard detective
Reception
The Monthly Film Bulletin characterized the film as a "sub-standard melodrama," criticizing its formulaic storyline and generally unskilled acting, though it acknowledged the use of subdued background music. Kine Weekly described it as a "shoddy and untidy crime pot-boiler," commending Richard Arlen's performance but condemning the predictable plot, clichéd dialogue, and uninspired production values. David Quinlan, in British Sound Films: The Studio Years 1928–1959, rated the film as "mediocre," noting its slow pace and lackluster execution.