Moviecut—Highly Dangerous

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Highly Dangerous

A female entymologist (Margaret Lockwood) is sent on a dangerous spying mission to an unnamed Balkan country to get hold of some bacteria and in doing so faces the wrath of the secret police. A well paced and quite different espionage thriller ably directed by Roy Ward Baker. It can be a little hit and miss in places, but will nevertheless entertain on its low budget. Marius Goring makes for quite a sinister police officer.

A Strange Concoction that never seems to find its Place or knows what it wants to be. A Contrast of Genres Unintentionally makes for some Bizarre Entertainment that is an Easy Watch. Never Fully Attaining a Thriller Mode it does have a few Scenes that are Worthy of its Espionage Element. There is a Realistic Forest Fire Diversion, a rather Disturbing Interrogation with Drugging and Hot Lights, and a Murder that Starts Things Going. It also Throws a Twist of Mind Control Side Effects that is a bit Corny but Engaging. Once things get Underway the Tone Shifts Uneasily between Farce and Fanciful Nonsense. The Biological Warfare Premise is Key but Never as Threatening as it should be and Ending it all is a Comedy Routine with Over Talking and is Something out of a Sit-Com. Worth a View for a few Good Things but Ultimately its Downfall Remains its Inconsistent and Wavering Tone.

Although I agree with most of the criticisms in the negative review already posted - I have just watched this movie on TV over lunch and really quite enjoyed it, which is why I came to this site to be reminded of the cast. I was surprised to see Anthony Newly's name - didn't recognise him. Margaret Lockwood looks much prettier than in many of her other films - her mouth is less prominent and her hair better groomed. Although I don't think it is worth seeing more than once - I do think it is pleasurable enough to watch once. Plenty of films are made of which that is not so. So if you haven't seen it - you won't hate it. It's just not absolutely terrific.

A slick, tongue-in-cheek adventure film with dramatic photography by Reg Wyer and lively music by Richard Addinsell, making early use of germ warfare as a subject. Set in a small Balkan country similar to that in 'State Secret' (down to the made up language occasionally used by the locals). Eric Ambler's script shamelessly recycles much of his pre-war novel 'Journey into Fear', with Margaret Lockward in the Joseph Cotton role, whimsically cast as an entomologist turned amateur spy and Marius Goring padded out and hamming it up like Orson Welles was as Col. Haki was in the former.

Many of the other reviews refer to the thin and unbelievable plot and casting. I beg to differ. 90% of modern films are pure unbelievable west coast Amertican dross, just think of the fare from Will Ferrell, Adam Sandler, Cameron Diaz, Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, and all the high school, college, so called coming of age movies awash with those stupid Californian accents, etc, etc, etc. This is a British B/W film of the early 50s and has the benefit of Margaret Lockwood playing against type in a plot line which holds up well, it is a movie after all, escapism, and perfectly encapsulates the early post war, cold war fears and demons of the time, played in a gentle tongue in cheek way by the cast and director. I enjoyed it immensely, and so will you. Give it a go, far superior to most modern movies.

Margaret Lockwood whose beauty cast her in many a regal and aristocratic role plays a scientist in this Eric Ambler story Highly Dangerous. She's an entomologist who goes behind the Iron Curtain to investigate a rumor that the Reds are conducting germ warfare experiments using insects as carriers. Dane Clark is an American reporter who suspects she's more than a travel agent which is her cover story. Marius Goring the local secret police chief suspects one and all. Wilfrid Hyde-White the local British consul wants Lockwood and Clark to keep on breathing. Lots of similarities here to the 39 Steps. A bit more serious though. Clark and Lockwood acquit themselves well in the roles which have some humor though. Would have liked to see Robert Donat in this.

Fairly daft but won't hurt you. Dane Clark is amiable, a more than competent actor and has an understated way that works with the rather poor chances of comedy he's handed. Margaret Lockwood looks good and don't knock her as an actress either, this isn't Macbeth. And remember this was 1950, don't compare it with present day overblown and infinitely less believable efforts. As another reviewer said "See it once.", I've seen it twice - and lived. I notice a minimum of 10 lines is required There isn't much more to say coupled with other reviewers opinions. I wouldn't make a special effort to see this film but there have been a lot worse. Ten lines? Good. Goodbye.