| Behind the Headlines | |
|---|---|
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| Directed by | Maclean Rogers |
| Written by | Maclean Rogers |
| Produced by | Edwin J. Fancey |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Geoffrey Faithfull |
| Edited by | Robert Higgins |
| Production company | E.J. Fancey Productions |
| Distributed by | New Realm Pictures |
| Release date |
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| Running time | 53 minutes |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
Behind the Headlines is a 1953 British second feature ('B') semi-documentary crime film directed and written by Maclean Rogers and starring Gilbert Harding, John Fitzgerald and Adrienne Fancey.
Plot
Broadcaster Gilbert Harding, playing a crime reporter, explains the behind-the-scenes work of Scotland Yard, as detectives investigate the theft of a lorry, which results in a conviction for murder.
Cast
- Gilbert Harding
- John Fitzgerald
- Adrienne Fancey
- Vi Kaley
- Michael McCarthy
- Jack May
- Howell Evans
- Pat Hagen
Reception
The Monthly Film Bulletin wrote: "A popular subject, treated in a popular and fairly interesting manner, though marred by a long and entirely unrelated sequence concerned with the details of the operation performed on the nightwatchman. Gilbert Harding is his usual ebullient self."
Kine Weekly wrote: "Upretentious yet intriguing pint-size dramatic crime documentary. ... Gilbert Harding, cast as a reporter, fills the leading role and speaks the commentary, and is a success both as actor and "compere." The majority of the supporting players also register, and the detail rings true."
Picturegoer wrote: "The actual case history, vividly illustrated, is not only ample proof that fact is stranger than fiction, but good entertainment, too – a welcome change from the conventional whodunit."
Picture Show wrote: "Crime drama told in documentary style, this film shows Scotland Yard's methods of bringing to justice the head of a lorry stealing racket who has also committed murder. Gilbert Harding has the role of a reporter and he is also the narrator, with high praise going to Scotland Yard who show us their interesting behind-the-scenes work."
References
- Chibnall, Steve; McFarlane, Brian (2009). The British 'B' Film. London: BFI/Bloomsbury. p. 119. ISBN 978-1-8445-7319-6.
- "Behind the Headlines". British Film Institute Collections Search. Retrieved 1 January 2025.
- "Behind the Headlines". The Monthly Film Bulletin. 20 (228): 175. 1 January 1953 – via ProQuest.
- "Behind the Headlines". Kine Weekly. 439 (2416): 24. 15 October 1953 – via ProQuest.
- "Behind the Headlines". Picturegoer. 32: 17. 9 August 1956 – via ProQuest.
- "Behind the Headlines". Picture Show. 63 (1639): 10. 28 August 1954 – via ProQuest.