Radio Cab Murder

Radio Cab Murder is well made, low budget B film starring Jimmy Hanley as taxi driver who sees a bank being robbed and gives chase.

However it turns out that Hanley is an ex-con safe cracker who has attempted to go straight. The police think he has all the credentials to infiltrate the gang and they conspire to have him fired from his job.

However the gang leader is cunning and it seems always one step ahead of the police and Hanley.

There are several twists and turns, the film has enough suspense. Hanley is an amiable lead, several well known faces pop up such as Sam Kydd and Frank Thornton.

"Radio Cab Murder" begins with an armed robbery. A cab driver, Fred Martin, sees the getaway and gives chase and almost catches up to them...almost. The police were thankful Martin tried and are impressed because Martin is an ex-con--and he's really turned his life around since his release. And, among his co-workers, he's very popular. However, someone is trying to get Martin fired--and sent an anonymous letter to his employer--telling him that Martin in an ex-con. However, the boss likes Martin also and already knows he's an ex-con. No problem, right? Well the police soon realize that the letter might not have come from some crank but a local gang. That's because their safe-cracker was found dead (of natural causes, apparently)--and Martin used to break open safes. It seems that they are TRYING to get him fired so that he'll need work--and they'll offer him some quick money doing SOMETHING illegal. But what is it? Well, the only way to find out is if Martin is willing to work for the police--which he does. But this gang is very deadly and very cautious and it sure looks as if Fred is in for trouble.

This is a very low budget British film. I didn't recognize anyone in the film. Yet, despite this, the film was reasonably exciting and well done. In particular, it ended very well when Martin's friends back at the cab company learn he's in danger and come pouring out of the woodwork to find him! While not a great film by any stretch, it is entertaining and worth a look.

If you are interested in seeing it, it's available from Alpha Video. The print is surprisingly good considering the source.

RADIO CAB MURDER is a solid little thriller starring the ubiquitous Jimmy Hanley and directed by the ubiquitous Vernon Sewell. Hanley features as a former con gone straight who now makes a living as a taxi driver. He very nearly foils a bank robbery and is subsequently sent undercover into the gang by the local cops.

It's a solid premise and one which Sewell wrings every last drop of suspense out of. Hanley is a likable lead and the film features an interesting supporting cast of likable character actors doing their bit, although it's very unusual to see Sam Kydd playing a villain for a change. Watch out for Frank Thornton in a minor role as one of the coppers.

One of this movie's best assets is Sonia Holm, a femme fatale who wouldn't be out of place in a comparable American movie of the era. The usual bank robbery scenarios are handled adroitly, as are the scenes involving cabs racing through the almost deserted streets of our capital, and the ending in particular is very cleverly achieved. RADIO CAB MURDER is one to watch for fans of the era.

I was disappointed there were no radio cabs murdered, although one was bunged up -- the one Jimmy Hanley is driving while tailing a bank robber. This brings him to the attention of Scotland Yard. Soon enough, his record as an ex-con safe breaker comes to light, and while his boss and the Yard are fine with it, it's clear a gang of bank robbers are trying to get him fired so he'll go back on the crook. Everyone agrees and his boss pretends to fire him, which sets the other drivers threatening strike.

It's a good story and well acted, but there isn't that much to it as a movie. D.P. Geoffrey Faithfull, whose career began with Hepworth and who would continue as lighting cameraman into the 1970s, shoots efficiently but dully under the direction of Vernon Sewell.

This is one of those cheaply made black and white B pictures where there's too much talk and not enough action. The characters are too polite, too well mannered, and even the villains come across as pleasant. in fact, that's the problem with this film for everyone is far too genteel. Jimmy Hanley, the hero, is unconvincing as a hardened ex convict! His bland portrayal of taxi driver, who is spying on a gang of thieves never has any moments of real tension and nastiness. The characters are all one dimensional without any one of them showing real emotion. Hence, there is no sense of menace and without threatening characters or a gripping storyline, the film meanders along without causing any waves.