Dublin Nightmare (1958)

So much average

Plenty to Like, Plenty to Dislike

From my favorite movies..

All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

Other reviews have mentioned the camera work and the noir setting.Well I have to disabuse anyone of the thought that this was made in Dublin.It was based at dear old Twickenham studios the home of hundreds of quota films such as this.There are the usual stock shots of Dublin but that's about as near to the city as it gets.The plot is utterly predictable.As soon as a charred body turns up it is a racing certainty that it is not the person whom it is supposed to be.William Sylvester turns up nearly half way through but isn't able to inject much pace into this sluggish affair.The denouement when it comes is neither a surprise or particularly exciting.Hardly worth while making an effort to see this.

Bought this on a 3-film DVD with two other films of the same genre (Deadly Nightshade and Delayed Action). A well produced film considering it's a low budget black and white movie which probably only served as a second feature to the main movie. A good storyline when the 'Movement' (as the IRA is referred to throughout the film) attempts to set up a security van raid in order to boost their funds.All does not go to plan and William Sylvester's character arrives right in the thick of it. Plenty of location and outside filming. The action is fairly convincing and there is a half decent car chase. There is also an interesting twist at the end.As with many of these films, the producers felt the need to include a continental actress in the cast. Possibly to help sales on the continent. Maria Landi looks good, but as far as acting goes - not brilliant!Can be had quite cheaply on DVD and worth buying - not seen it on any of the TV channels, so perhaps DVD is the way to go.

A very good looking low budget film-noir set in Dublin. The IRA sets up a payroll van robbery which does not quite come out the way they wanted. The cash disappears and one of their own is suspected. An American newspaper reporter, William Sylvestor, gets himself involved and finds his life in danger. The police want him to pony up all the info he has while the IRA let him know he won't last long if he talks. He decides he must find out what happened on his own. This is the only film directed by former editor John Pomeroy and features some great camera work. Particularly striking are the dark lanes and alleys shot at night. Nice job by all here considering what a low budget they must of had. This is a tight little UK noir and worth a look. (b/w)

An atmospheric setting in Dublin provides the background for this late noir thriller. The real strength of the movie is a well crafted plot which holds the viewer's interest. There's a genuine mystery to be solved, with plenty of red herrings and some surprising twists along the way. Not a masterpiece but it will certainly fill an enjoyable hour or so of your time.