Five Days

The next film covered by the "House of Hammer Podcast" was "Five Days" or "Paid to Kill", if you prefer. The version I watched was the one currently available on Youtube and there were some sound issues, at the start of the presentation particularly. The last few films have essentially been murder mysteries cloaked in different skins, so I liked this one for doing something different.

James Nevill (Dane Clark) is a businessman managing a London based Investment firm. Having gone in big on a deal that goes sour, Nevill strikes a deal with an old friend Paul Kirby (Paul Carpenter), from shadier times, to kill him at some point in the next five days, so that is wife can collect on the insurance payment. However, the business deal undergoes a last-minute change and proceeds securing the finances of the firm going forward. Nevill tries to locate Kirby, to call off the deal but he is nowhere to be found. He must now try and find his friend and explain the situation before he finds him.

A second film for Dane Clark, having been in "The Gambler and the Lady" which I watched last year and in which he co-starred with Anthony Forwood, who appears again in this one. I thought Clark was a bit better in that film though, where he portrayed a former gangster struggling in society circles, than he was here. There's a touch more nuance required for this one and I never really bought that Nevill loved his wife enough be so practically suicidal. He also seems to be pushing his wife to the possibility of moving on (with Forwood) after he's gone too, which again is a theme from an earlier Hammer film.

The film is also notable for having Charles Hawtrey in a small non-speaking role.

Whilst I wouldn't, in any way, describe "Five Days" as a lost gem, it was watchable enough to hold my attention, despite some less the great performances, and the arrival of a different plot was welcome.

Taking advantage of arrangements favoured by the UK's Eady levy (a state film subsidy established after the war) in 1950, American producer Robert Lippert formed a business alliance with Hammer studios. Under the agreement, Lippert would provide American acting talent - frequently shop-worn stars or just supporting actors who fancied a profitable trip out of the country - while Hammer would supply the rest of the cast and the production facilities. Together they would split the profits. Famous for his concern with the bottom line, Lippert produced over 140 films between 1946 and 1955, characteristically genre pieces such as I Shot Jesse James or Rocketship XM. For the British deal, most of the films were noir-ish thrillers -including 5 DAYS/ PAID TO KILL.

Dane Clark appeared several times under the production arrangement, but makes one of his most successful entries here as a man in a jam, with a plan, and a dame. Possessing a characteristic persecuted look, Clark is eminently suited to the role of businessman James Nevill who - fearing that a big deal has gone sour - pays a friend to kill him, to secure insurance money for his unsuspecting wife. Nevill abruptly needs to change his murderous instructions when matters change for the better, but cannot find his unreliable friend. He finds the repeated attempts on his life - whoever it is making them - too close for comfort. Says a business acquaintance of Nevill's business style that: "it's okay for cutthroat and adventure - but not for the City of London." Such a contrast exists elsewhere in a film containing one or two jarring, humorous scenes, featuring Charles Hawtrey (a non-speaking part) partnering Nevill's troublesome, truculent investor. Away from these distractions the film is much stronger, notably in the understated love for Nevill shown by his secretary Joan (Cecile Chavreau), which is played subtly. Although for many the film's final twist is telegraphed someway in advance, 5 Days/Paid To Kill is reasonably suspenseful and largely successful on its own terms, efficiently directed by Tully.

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

In London, the businessman James Nevill (Dane Clark) is the president of Amalgamated Industries and adores his wife Andrea (Thea Gregory). When he is betrayed by his uncle Cyrus McGowan (Howard Marion-Crawford) in a risky business that will bankrupt the company, he decides to force his former friend Paul Kirby (Paul Carpenter) to kill him so that Andrea receives a life insurance policy to have a good life. However Kirby refuses and devastated with the proposal, he drinks too much disclosing the request in public in his girlfriend´s bar. Out of the blue, James´ uncle changes his position and the business succeeds. James tries to find Kirby to call off their arrangement but does not locate him. After three attempts of murder, James suspects that Kirby is not who is trying to kill him.

"Five Days", a.k.a. "Paid to Kill", is a film-noir by Hammer with a good plot point that may surprise the viewer. The cinematography is also great but the conclusion is disappointing. My vote is six.

Title (Brazil): "Pago para Matar" ("Paid to Kill")

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.