Solo for Sparrow

Another of the entertaining Merton Park releases, loosely based on Edgar Wallace stories, that were shown before the main feature in the 60s. Many of the actors in these films went on to bigger things, some were destined to make a good living playing supporting roles and some didn't progress at all. In this film, the one and only Michael Caine plays Paddy, one of a group of crooks who steal the keys to a jewellery shop from the elderly shop assistant after she's locked up for the night, accidentally killing her. Although IMDb has Caine near the top of the cast list, his role is fairly minor, played with a brave attempt at an Irish accent. As usual for these films, the plot is quite intriguing and Glyn Houston as Inspector Sparrow puts in a credible performance as he tries to track down the thieves despite his superior's wishes that he should call in Scotland Yard to help. Nothing is quite what it seems and this turns out to be more than a straightforward robbery.