The Hostage (1956 film)

1956 British film by Harold Huth

The Hostage is a 1956 British crime film directed by Harold Huth and starring Ron Randell, Mary Parker and John Bailey.^[1]

Plot

A group of South American revolutionaries plan to kidnap the daughter of their President in London.

Production

The film was made at New Elstree Studios. The film's sets were designed by the art director Harry White.

Cast

• Ron Randell as Bill Trailer
• Mary Parker as Rosa Gonzuelo
• John Bailey as Dr Main
• Carl Jaffe as Dr Pablo Gonzuelo
• Anne Blake as Mrs Steen
• Cyril Luckham as Hugh Ferguson
• Margaret Diamond as Madame Gonzuelo
• Victor Brooks as Inspector Clifford
• James Liggat as Sergeant Reid
• Robert Marsden as Benda
• John Rutland as Jim Barnes
• Everley Gregg as Mrs Barnes
• John Phillips as workman

Critical reception

Kine Weekly said "The picture spends most of its time in London, but the authentic exteriors, loosely pieced together, fail to lend credibility to the penny blood tale. Ron Randell has his moments as Bill and Carl Jaffe makes a dignified president, but Mary Parker lacks experience as Rosa. The supporting cast is indifferent, while the handling of the fights, the fire sequence and the lurid climax leave much to be desired. And what was MI5 doing during all this?"^[2]

In British Sound Films: The Studio Years 1928–1959 David Quinlan rated the film as "mediocre", writing: "Laughably plotted thriller."^[3]

Leslie Halliwell said: "Tolerable support."^[4]

References

1. "The Hostage". British Film Institute Collections Search. Retrieved 26 November 2023.
2. "The Hostage". Kine Weekly. 476 (2575): 15. 20 December 1956 – via ProQuest.
3. Quinlan, David (1984). British Sound Films: The Studio Years 1928–1959. London: B.T. Batsford Ltd. p. 324. ISBN 0-7134-1874-5.
4. Halliwell, Leslie (1989). Halliwell's Film Guide (7th ed.). London: Paladin. p. 480. ISBN 0586088946.

External links

• The Hostage at IMDb
• The Hostage at ReelStreets