Five Days (1954)

So much average

Sadly Over-hyped

I like movies that are aware of what they are selling... without [any] greater aspirations than to make people laugh and that's it.

The movie's not perfect, but it sticks the landing of its message. It was engaging - thrilling at times - and I personally thought it was a great time.

On the same VCI "Hammer Film Noir" disc as "The Glass Tomb", is "Paid To Kill" (1954). This film, also known as "Five Days", is another unlikely venture for the credited Montgomery Tully. It is also excitingly photographed (for around half its length anyway) in true noir style by Jimmy Harvey. This one doesn't have the same all-pervasive noir mood of "The Glass Tomb", but mostly reserves these effects for the action scenes. On the other hand, the premise, whilst somewhat outlandish, is a rather suspenseful one, even though those of us who are used to the twists and turns of the average whodunit, will probably guess the solution. Nonetheless, the acting is solid, especially from delightfully seedy Paul Carpenter in one of his best roles ever as the "friend in need", and from Thea Gregory as the glamorous wife. Dane Clark walks through his role as the distracted company director with his usual assurance, while Howard Marion Crawford has a ball as an eccentric Egyptologist. Newspaperman, film critic and novelist Paul Tabori wrote the suspenseful story and screenplay.

Looks like budget-minded Lippert productions got more bang for their buck in England than in the US. This is a well-produced crime drama, with a tight script and some good touches. Nevill's (Clark) a not very likable business bigshot, (note that he treats his board of directors with uncalled for abruptness). Trouble is his latest big deal is failing, so, in desperation, he arranges his own death. That way his wife Andrea can collect insurance and be taken care of. His plan is to hire associate Paul to do the job. But surprise, the business deal suddenly goes through and Nevill's vindicated. Now he's got to stop Paul from carrying out his part. Nonetheless, it appears that Paul's gone away. Yet, surprise, somebody really is trying to kill Nevill. But if it's not Paul, who is it and why.Clark delivers an exemplary performance. Notice his subtle facial expressions to fit the mood. There're some good touches, like the suspenseful father in the park or the colorfully blustery Hyson, neither of which affects the plot but does add atmosphere. And catch that very last shot, suggesting that Nevill's obsession is not yet spent, despite the attempts to kill him, while poor Joan comes trailing after. It also suggests a sneaky subtext that might otherwise go unnoticed amid the murder plots. To me, the movie's much better than expected for a Lippert production. The movie's got mystery, suspense, and atmosphere, plus Clark's motivated turn. So catch it if you can.

After his London-based "Amalgamated Industries" suffers a devastating loss, American businessman Dane Clark (as James "Jim" Nevill) decides to end it all. This is going to be a strange suicide, however. In order for his wife to benefit from a life insurance policy, Mr. Clark asks an old friend to commit the murder. At first, sleazy hit-man Paul Carpenter (as Paul Kirby) refuses. But Clark makes Mr. Carpenter mad during a fight, and threatens blackmail, too. Finally, Carpenter agrees to kill Clark, within five days. Once the deal is set, Clark's failed business deal reverses. Now, he must stop himself from being murdered...Writer Paul Tabori adds a couple of surprises to this formulaic story. You can make accurate predictions, but you'll need to revise them. Director Montgomery Tully does well in dark alleys and seedy diners. Second-billed secretary Cecile Chevreau (as Joan Peterson) sends out the right signals, indicating she's interested in her boss. Clark is faithful to pretty wife Thea Gregory (as Andrea), however. Not seen as often as partner (spouse equivalent) Dirk Bogarde, tall blond Anthony Forwood (as Peter Glanville) is impressive. British players shine in small, uncredited roles.****** Paid to Kill (6/25/54) Montgomery Tully ~ Dane Clark, Cecile Chevreau, Paul Carpenter, Anthony Forwood

Irony meets Film Noir in this study of an anxious C.E.O. who, believing he is on the verge of financial ruin, plots his own murder so his philandering wife will get the insurance money. But as fate has it, his fortunes turn, and he must stop the hit-man he hired to kill him before it is too late. "One way or another, I'm gonna get ya!" could be the theme song of one sequence where the killer goes after him in a variety of ways, and after these several attempts fail, he learns the truth.An above average entry in this series of Hammer Film Noirs (many of them less than mediocre), it is a variation of the old "D.O.A. plot where the victim tries to solve his own (possible) demise. A faithful secretary is his only confidante, and there's always a doubt as to who the real culprit is. Dane Clark may seem an odd choice to play a corporate executive (especially one in England), but he's actually quite good. There's a very funny sequence involving a rare Aztec vase being protected by a nervous assistant to the over-the-top Sydney Greenstreet like archaeologist whose denouncement at the very beginning of the film sets Clark's plans into motion.