A trois pas de la potence

Gregor Stevens (Scott Brady) has 4 days shore leave. He goes to visit his brother but cannot find him. A meeting with Yvonne (Mary Castle), a boxing fan (Michael Balfour) and a visit to the "Gay Mask" nightclub give him an avenue to pursue in the circumstances that are unfolding before him. Gregor must solve the mystery before he goes back to his ship.........and, more importantly, before a hanging takes place.....

It's a fast-paced film that gets going from the beginning. It's well acted by all and has many twists to the plot. It is just on the right side of complicated.

Its a good film to keep onto and watch again.

Excellent British Film Noir "3 Steps to the Gallows" follows American Sailor Scott Brady trying to visit and then just locate his brother while docked in London. Mary Castle as the lounge singer at the Gay Mask club gives this film an extraordinary aura. Her abbreviated performance of "There's No Way Out" paves the way for Brady to commence making contact with all of the characters involved in the plot. Pay attention - no one is above suspicion. Brady is more than a bit of a bull in a china shop but the rest of the cast is more subtly believable. This moves along at a good pace with no dead time. Worth seeking out.

Scott Brady is a military man who learns that his brother is about to be hanged in "Three Steps to the Gallows" from 1953.

Brady is Gregor Stevens who arrives in London planning on visiting with his brother. His brother, however, was convicted of murder in will be executed in three days.

This doesn't give Gregor much time to find out what happened and hopefully clear his brother. He finds himself involved with smugglers but gets some help from Yvonne Durante (Mary Castle) a nightclub singer. It's risky business because these are diamond smugglers who will stop at nothing to silence anyone they think might talk.

A lot of action in this one, as Brady is constantly getting into fights. One funny part occurs when a secretary (Genevieve Brune) introduces herself as a school friend of Yvonne's. Since they were 19 years apart in age, that must have been some school.

Ferdy Mayne and Michael Balfour do excellent jobs supporting Brady, one of many American actors who made British films in the '50s. Scott Brady at that time was something of a matinee idol, though low level. He later went into character work and worked into the '80s, dying in 1985.

Most of these films starring Americans are B level, but I usually enjoy them, especially the Hammer films, of which this is one. Not the horror ones though.

AKA..."3 Steps to the Gallows"

Scott Brady Travels to England to Beef Up Film-Noir.

Brady (brother of Lawrence Tierney) Goes Ashore to Meet His Brother and Finds He has been Convicted of Murder and will Hang in 4 Days.

What Transpires is Brady vs a British Mob of Smugglers and Tough-Guys.

The Goons can Barely Fill a Trench-Coat and are Constantly Attacking Him in Gangs.

One Fight or Chase Ends and Almost Immediately Another Takes Place.

The Movie, very Unusual for B-Movies, is Shot Predominately On-Locations.

A Difficult Task at Best.

The Story Involves a Night-Club Singer, a Rita Hayworth Look-Alike (Mary Castle) along with the Brothers Former Friends and Acquaintances.

A Wise-Cracking Boxer (John Blythe) and the Brother's Lawyer (Colin Tapley), Secretary (Gabrielle Brune), and Night-Club Owner (Lloyd Lamble).

It's a Complicated Plot.

One has No Time to be Concerned with such Twists and Turns because the Film Won't let You Catch Your Breath.

It's One of the Most Active British Noirs.

With a Hyper-Pace Anchored by Brady's Physical Presence and Persistence.

Also, the Beautiful Mary Castle Eventually Decides to Help and is an Attractive Companion.

Breathless Action and a Bewildering Plot.

Combine for an Entertaining 80 Minute Noir that Incorporates Many Night-Scenes and Shadows.

For an Ominous and Threatening Tone.

One of the Better Late Noirs from Britain and is Definitely...

Worth a Watch.

In the 1950s and 60s, many American actors went to Europe to star in their films. Most of these were second and third-tier actors...and in the case of "3 Steps to the Gallows", third-tier American actor Scott Brady stars in this British mystery/suspense film.

When the story begins, Gregor (Brady) arrives in London to see his brother. Surprisingly, however, he learns that while he was off at sea, his brother was convicted of murder is will be executed within a few days! Not surprisingly, Gregor investigates on his own to see what he can uncover...and he discovers a vast conspiracy. What's next? See the film.

I had to chuckle at this film a bit. After all, do the Brits see Americans as being like Brady?! In the film, is character investigates mostly by beating up people! And, he's apparently very good at it!! So, it's not like this is the most complex or nuanced character! Overall, mildly entertaining if not a bit mindless.