The Man Inside (1958 film)
| Company type | Film production company |
|---|---|
| Industry | Film production |
| Founder | Irving Allen, Albert R. Broccoli |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
| Products | Films |
The Man Inside is a 1958 British crime-adventure motion picture helmed by director John Gilling. The cast features Jack Palance, Anita Ekberg, Nigel Patrick, Anthony Newley, and Bonar Colleano. Produced under the banner of Warwick Film Productions by Irving Allen and Albert R. Broccoli, the screenplay, crafted by David Shaw, is an adaptation of the 1954 novel authored by M. E. Chaber. Notably, this film represents the final acting appearance of Bonar Colleano.
Plot
The story follows Sam Carter, a jeweller’s assistant who absconds with a large cache of diamonds but fatally wounds a man during the theft. As he flees across Europe, he is relentlessly pursued by private investigator Milo March, alongside Trudi Hall and two henchmen, Martin Lomer and Gerard Heinz. Their quest centers on obtaining the most valuable diamond, priced at $700,000, aboard a train bound for London. March refers to this gem as "$700,000 of unhappiness," alluding to the extreme measures individuals take to possess it.
Production
Initially, Alan Ladd was slated to star in the leading role but was subsequently replaced by Victor Mature.
Production encountered delays from November 1957 until April 1958 due to financial difficulties at Warwick following the commercial failure of Fire Down Below. This project marked Anne Aubrey’s third collaboration with Warwick, succeeding her roles in High Flight and No Time to Die.
Producer Harold Huth commented on audience preferences: "Action, fast-moving action, seems to be what the public wants," which influenced the return to wartime themes to deliver energetic sequences and compelling character portrayals.
Filming took place over seven weeks beginning May 1957 at Elstree Studios and included location shoots near Madrid, Spain.
Release
To promote the film, Nigel Patrick, Anne Aubrey, and Anthony Newley engaged in personal appearances.
Critical reception
Variety characterized the movie as a "routine cops-and-robbers chase yarn" that incorporates elements of suspense and humor alongside solid performances, providing brisk entertainment fueled by strong star power.
The Monthly Film Bulletin observed that it closely resembles director Gilling’s previous work Interpol (1957), highlighting Nigel Patrick’s performance as particularly noteworthy.
Kinematograph Weekly praised the film’s international backdrop—spanning locations from New York to London—and noted Anita Ekberg’s captivating presence on screen but criticized some narrative padding.
The Radio Times Guide to Films awarded it 3 out of 5 stars, emphasizing the ensemble cast—including Jack Palance, Anita Ekberg, Anthony Newley, Donald Pleasence, and Sid James—as a significant attraction despite its somewhat dated storyline.
British film critic Leslie Halliwell described it as a modest British thriller with limited appeal in overseas markets.
External links
- The Man Inside pressbook at Internet Archive