Strongroom

i came across this old gem a couple of years back and taped it off the t.v. It's an old black and white bank robbery film. The robbers plan a one-off bank robbery, but it doesn't quite go to plan after they lock two hostages in a safe. Their guilty consciences get the better of them, and they return to the scene. Simple, exciting tale that i can watch time and again.

This is not a good film to watch if you suffer from claustrophobia. It's a little gem produced in the early sixties and usually tucked away in the early hours of the morning. There were many of these B movies produced in the 50s and 60s and most are quickly forgotten. However this one stands out. Derren Nesbitt makes for a convincing baddie bringing his particular brand of menace to the role. Colin Gordon plays it with a very stiff upper lip and Ann Lynn provides the glamour. Despite being just over an hour long it packs a useful punch and sustains the tension through to the end. Watch it with the door open and a glass of cold water to hand.

Strongroom is directed by Vernon Sewell and written by Max Marquis and Richard Harris. It stars Derren Nesbit, Colin Gordon, Ann Lynn, Keith Faulkner and W. Morgan Sheppard. Music is by Johnny Gregory and cinematography by Basil Emmott.

Three men enact a bank robbery and lock up the manager and his secretary in the vault. Upon making their getaway it dawns on them that the two in the vault could die from lack of oxygen and thus landing them as murderers should they be caught...

Every once in a while a "quota quickie" or "B" crime movie really strides out on its own to stand tall and proud, Strongroom is one such film. Originally the support feature to the George Chakiris film Two and Two Make Six, Sewell's picture went down well enough with the public that it often became the main feature in some theatres.

Compact at just 80 minutes in length, it's a picture heavy on claustrophobia and thematic stings, embracing that old noir devil of fate along the way. It's directed in a tight no-nonsense way by Sewell, who manages to keep things moving without it being at cost to nail biting suspense. Well performed by all involved, it's a film that never once cops out, right up to, and including, the quite brilliant finale. 8/10

Well, what a pleasant surprise this turned out to be - a nifty, suspensful bank robbery/thriller that has the audience switching sides as the action unfolds. Derren Nesbitt unusually plays a character that shows a spark of humanity as he insists on going back to the scene of the robbery to prevent the two staff suffocating in the vault. However, I think the actor who plays 'Mr Snape' walks away with the trophy, even though he appears in only a handful of scenes. His acting is very natural and casual and he delivers his lines without grabbing the stage. A really good, tight and entertaining effort from all involved.

"Strongroom" is a classic example of how a supposedly insignificant "B" film, can catch the viewers attention, and hold onto it like a vice. Of many such films produced in the UK, during the mid-50's/early 60's, it is quite probably the best. The story, outlined by other reviewers, is quite novel and the acting is generally top notch, given the film's limited budget. The script, and more importantly the direction, is absolutely first class and Vernon Sewell does an excellent job in cranking up the tension throughout the film. The ending is hard-hitting and unexpected. All-in-all, a super little movie that won't disappoint anyone who seeks it out.