1956 film directed by Montgomery Tully
Dial 999 (U.S title: The Way Out ) is a 1955 British 'B' movie[2] crime drama film directed and written by Montgomery Tully and starring Gene Nelson, Mona Freeman and John Bentley.[3] It was based on the novel of the same name by Bruce Graeme. Produced by Todon Productions, it was shot at the Merton Park Studios in London. RKO Radio Pictures purchased the rights to distribute it in the United States, where it was released in cut form on 11 April 1956.[citation needed]
Plot
Greg Carradine tells his wife Terry that he has accidentally killed a man during a drunken fight. Terry tries to hide Greg, despite finding out that he in fact deliberately killed the man – a bookmaker to whom he owed money. Wanted by the police, Greg tries to flee the country via "The Way Out", a secret escape route for criminals. But he panics, and the police catch up with him.
Cast
Critical reception
The Monthly Film Bulletin wrote: "An uninspired and novelettish thriller, taken at such a slow pace that not even the final chase develops any real excitement. Mona Freeman cannot do much with the loyal wife, and Gene Nelson is inclined to overplay as the thoroughly unlikable Greg."[4]
Kine Weekly wrote: "There are a few inconsistencies In Its script, but most of the players are on their toes and vital teamwork leads to genuine heart throbs, plus ultimate tension. ... The picture stretches credulity to the full, but, despite the fact that the behaviour of some of its leading characters is a little odd and that the police give them too much rope, it furnishes moving and exciting thick thick ear."[5]
In British Sound Films: The Studio Years 1928–1959 David Quinlan rated the film as "good", writing: "Seat-gripper thriller whose tension increases nicely."[6]
References
External links
