Never Back Losers

This film was recently shown as part of a double bill at the NFT in the season celebrating British B Movies.Although the page title gives the impression that this was shown on TV,in fact these films were the second features on double bills on the ABC circuit in the 1960s.Wallace was very keen on horses and he decided to use this in one of his stories.The love of the turf got him into financial difficulties and he would dash off a story such as this in a few hours to get himself out of trouble.The story of this film is not of any great interest but there is a star turn from Patrick Magee as a gangster.He just exudes menace.However he drives around London in an American car with lots of big wings.Also in the car chase the cars seem to be more intent on obeying the Highway Code by stopping at junctions.It also has to be said that the ending is a bit risible.However all in all an entertaining way of passing an hour.

A jockey may have thrown a race and then got involved in a serious road accident.

Insurance investigator Jim Matthews (Jack Hedley) has to look into the claim for £20,000 made by the jockey called, Sanders. He only took out the policy a few days earlier.

It might have been the case that Sanders was beaten up. A lot of money was lost by punters when Sanders lost the race that he was favourite to win.

Suspicion falls on crime boss Ben Black (Patrick Magee) and some crooked bookmakers are also on the frame.

This is an underwhelming B movie. Magee is exudes menace. Hedley has some charm and wit as the insurance investigator. It just lacks excitement.

Insurance Investigator Jim Matthews is assigned to investigate the case of Wally Sanders, a jockey, who was suspected of throwing a race. Soon after Sanders crashes his car. Matthews suspects a jockey named Clive Parker is the next target.

I hate to say it, but I didn't really care for this episode, not a favourite, too slow, too plodding, just not a particularly exciting storyline.

The music totally overtakes on a few occasions, it's just too heavy and intrusive, it's horrible.

The best element, Patrick Magee, he knew how to play a villain, it was a fantastic performance from him, he was somehow wasted here though.

One of the biggest surprises here, was seeing just how striking Larry Martyn was in his youth, I always think of him in his AYBS overalls, the voice d of course is unmistakable.

Overall, a disappointment.

5/10.

The firm favourite in a horse race panics at the start and loses. The next day its jockey is found gravely injured in the countryside. The jockey only three days earlier took out insurance, arousing the suspicions of the insurance company. They send an investigator to check the legitimacy of the claim. He uncovers a web of shady deals and shady types.

An excellent episode, of the best, if not THE best in the series. Intriguing plot, where information is leaked to the audience slowly, making for compelling viewing. There's even some romance!

Most interesting about this episode is that, for once, the investigator isn't a police detective: he's an insurance investigator. This makes the episode far less formulaic than the rest in the series, as the investigator can't expect any help or respect from people and following up on leads becomes problematic. Makes for a very different tone of episode, and refreshingly so.

The episode is rounded off by some great performances, especially Patrick Magee as the gangster Ben Black. A great study in cool, calm, murderous menace.