On a Rank DVD (I would offer only a 7/10 rating for this DVD due to an image break-up) you will find the gripping Never Let Go (1960) with Peter Sellers in a character role as a particularly sadistic gangster.This is not a comedy. Sellers is first rate as the evil gangster who is brought to book by perennial loser Richard Todd (also cast way against type and also delivering most vividly and convincingly). The support line-up is also particularly strong. I could go through the cast one by one, but I think it spoils the movie if you are aware of too many details in advance.Location lensing with low-key, noirish camera-work by Christopher Challis also helps.In fact, the only wrong note is sounded by the usually very reliable John Barry whose music score is often inappropriate. Apparently nobody told him that this "Never Let Go" was NOT a comedy.

The idea behind "Never Let Go" is a sound one, even though its core idea may have been somewhat inspired by the classic Italian movie "Bicycle Thieves". And in the end, the movie isn't a BAD one. It's pretty well produced on what wasn't a Hollywood budget, for one thing. And it interests you enough to make you watch to the end to see what will happen. Still, there are a couple of big problems that hold the movie back from greatness. The movie starts off well, but as the protagonist continues his search for his stolen car and increases the intensity of his investigation, sympathy for him is severely worn down. People get hurt by his obsession, for one thing. Then there is Peter Sellers' performance. This wasn't the only completely straight role Sellers had during his career, but this one suggests why he didn't go for that many more straight roles. He's okay when his character is calm, but when his character gets angry or aggressive, he puts in too much of an effort and becomes kind of a cartoon. Still, fans of Sellers may find the movie of interest to see their idol try something much different.

I've only ever seen this film once, and only recently found out its title! I won't go over the plot here as this has been well covered by other reviewers. Suffice to say that this low-budget British film punches way above its weight and features some great performances, especially that of Peter Sellers who puts in a particularly riveting turn as the car-napper. Richard Todd's performance as the mild mannered salesman was always going to be eclipsed. One thing that struck me at the time was the number of mentions given to Todd's 'Ford Anglia', the car without which he could not survive. So often was the car mentioned that I am still convinced that Ford must have done a bit of sponsorship here! A great, gritty film from the days when we knew how to make them.

While the star of this film technically is Richard Todd, Peter Sellers' supporting performance dominates the film and it's no surprise that the DVD features Sellers on the cover, not Todd. It's one of the better performances of his career--and, interestingly, it's not at all comedic but a VERY gritty and serious role.The film begins with a working man (Todd) leaving work--only to discover that his car's been stolen. He goes to the police but after a couple days there doesn't appear to be any chance he'll get it back--and it's not insured. Todd is a very mild-mannered man and not the sort you'd expect to do anything about the crime, but his car is needed for his job and he won't let it rest. So, he starts trying to find leads on his own--and repeatedly he nearly gets himself killed. Yet, for once this mild-mannered man is NOT going to just back down--he will follow this as far as he can and the consequences be damned. Through the course of Todd's investigations, the trail leads to a truly horrible man (Sellers). On the surface, Sellers seems sophisticated and mild-mannered himself. However, he is a very violent bully--and this comes out with the least provocation. What's to happen next? Tune in to this excellent film to see for yourself--just be forewarned...it's amazingly brutal for 1960--so brutal the Brits gave it what is equivalent to a restricted rating!As I said, Sellers is at his best here. Wearing bulky clothes (and perhaps lifts to make him look taller), he looks beefier and plays a great heavy. His violent and sadistic routine is mesmerizing--and it was hard to believe this is the same guy who made a career out of making people laugh. Here, he's malevolent and cruel--and very effective. Now all this does NOT mean Todd isn't quite good as well--he is. But even in turning in a dandy performance himself, he is overshadowed by the malevolent Sellers. The sum effect of both of them is quite compelling--making a simple and inexpensive film much better than you'd ever expect. If you like to see excellent acting and characters, then see this one.