Seven Keys

This lower-case parable is a highly entertaining and well-plotted thriller, boasting a charismatic, intelligent and droll lead performance by Alan Dobie that impresses with his star quality.

The film is most notable for having the most extraordinary cast of well-known British character actors and comedians, several of them popping up for a single scene. There are of course many from the Independent Artists repertory company, including Delphi Lawrence, John Carson and Philip Locke. But there are also several familiar scene-stealers from a previous generation, including Robertson Hare, Fabia Drake and Colin Gordon. And eagle-eyed viewers will also spot future stars in impossibly tiny roles, such as Peter Barkworth, Robert Lang and Brian Peck. Virtually everybody is somebody, and for the fan of the British B movie it's a treat.

Inmate Russel (Alan Dobie) inherits from another inmate a bunch of seven keys, it happens that guy had hidden 20000 pounds stolen. And maybe with the keys ... The story is very fast from the very beginning and impossible to get bored during 57 minutes, there are always new twists and new characters. And Alan Dobie, mostly tv actor, is handsome, smart and funny. A true entertainment. Bravo.

Not too much suspense in this mystery. Better than The Double (1963), see my 5 star review on that. Sorry no spoilers.