A signalman on a quay sees a fight between two men. One of the men is deliberately pushed into the water and the signalman cannot save him, but he decides to keep his suitcase, which he later finds is full of banknotes with a value of £5000.
Although based on Simenon's novella, the plot was restructured and the location was changed from France to England. It was made at Welwyn Studios, with sets designed by the art directorCedric Dawe
Reception
Box office
The film was a commercial success.[5] As of 1 April 1950 the film earned distributor's gross receipts of £106,226 in the UK of which £72,026 went to the producer.[2]
Critical reception
The Monthly Film Bulletin wrote: "The acting in this film is good; Robert Newton as the signalman depicts all the temptations to which the flesh is heir; his moveable face shows the continual struggle between his conscience and his love for his daughter. Here is a weak man who is stupid as well as cunning. Margaret Barton as the daughter is exactly what an overworked child would be. Simone Simon as the "mermaid" is a clever actress, clever in more senses than one, and unpleasant. To people who know the "Newhaven-Dieppe" channel crossing there is a certain thrill in the Southern Railway scenes, the arrival of the ship, the cranes, the signal-box, the trains are all there beautifully and technically perfect. And the background music is good and descriptive."[6]
In British Sound Films: The Studio Years 1928–1959David Quinlan rated the film as "average", writing: "Leisurely but gripping drama with rather unpleasant characters."[7]
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