Hunted [The Stranger in Between] **** (1952, Dirk Bogarde, Jon Whiteley, Elizabeth Sellars, Kay Walsh) – Classic Movie Review 3675

Director Charles Crichton’s 1952 British noir thriller stars Dirk Bogarde as Chris, a murderer on the run who is joined by a small boy, the six-year-old Robbie (Jon Whiteley), running away from the home he has accidentally set fire to. They head north towards Scotland, forging a strong link of friendship.

This unusual, honest little film motors on its warm performances by the star duo, who work splendidly and most sympathetically together, backed up with friendly support from a strong ensemble, headed by Kay Walsh, Elizabeth Sellars, Frederick Piper and Geoffrey Keen.

It is a very gripping, moving film, with some exciting sequences and fine location work, as well as crafted shooting at Pinewood studios, Buckinghamshire. Crichton directs deftly and sympathetically, helped by Eric Cross’s good-looking black and white cinematography.

Also in the cast are Julian Somers, June Aird, Jack Stewart, Joe Linnune, Leonard White, Gerald Anderson, Denis Webb, Gerald Case, Katherine Blake, Molly Urquhart, Grace Arnold, Alec Finter, Harry Quashie and Ian Hunter.

Okay, the British title of Hunted is a bit bland, generic and unmemorable, but the American change to The Stranger in Between really isn’t a good idea.

Bogarde and Whiteley reconvened for The Spanish Gardener (1956).

© Derek Winnert 2016 Classic Movie Review 3675

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