"London can take it!" was the rallying cry in 1940, and a decade later the same, stoic answer to the Blitz might have summed up this tense speculation about the efforts taken to defuse an impending atomic holocaust. The film reflected many real fears of the embryonic nuclear age, but managed to embrace both ends of its argument, with the rogue scientist threatening to explode a bomb in downtown London (unless the government disarms its atomic arsenal) acting as both a voice of conscience and an agent of madness: the message is sane; his method is not. Meeting the crisis with clear heads and stiff upper lips are the real heroes of the film: the civilian and military forces who organize a heroic evacuation not unlike the victorious retreat from Dunkirk. The script benefits from some near-documentary realism and a swift, clockwork plot, earning co-writers Frank Harvey and Frank Boulting (who also co-directed the film with his brother John) an Oscar for their efforts.

A disillusioned British nuclear scientist in the cold war era, decides to set-off an atomic device on the demand the British government dismantles its atomic arsenal. Barry Jones plays the said 'mad' Professor, Willingdon, intent on the deed and Andre Morrel, the erstwhile cop Superintendent Folland, on his tail. Willingdon's serious plan is, just that, in that he's sent a note to the Prime Minister of his plan. Willingdon cuts the sympathetic pacifist character very well. He aimlessly wanders around London and Willingdon's chum, Lane, and his daughter Ann, desperately try to find him along with Folland, in central London, as that's his proposed 'ground zero' mentioned in his letter to the PM. In the meantime, evacuations have to be carried out and as 'bob-the-moo' from Birmingham says in his review, he's quite right that perhaps the 'cockney' characters are overplayed somewhat (I'm a cockney and quite agree!). Asides from this, this is an excellent thriller. Well scripted and acted and for the time, can somewhat keep you on the edge of your seat. It seems to contain all the eventualities with this sort of scenario, shooting looters, troops everywhere, the large-scale evacuation and even the PM on the 'wireless' explaining to Willingdon and the UK, not just the consequences but why Britain needs its atomic deterrent and how futile any course of action contrary to that would be for the country. They finally catch up with Willingdon after nearly catching him a few times. An itchy-triggered Victor Maddern shoots the 'Prof' after the device has been deactivated by Lane and the police, as if to say, that although he was seen as a sad and probably sick man, more than treasonable, he still has to get some form of punishment. Maybe that's a 1950-ish trait in showing some form of come-uppance. Another engaging thing about this film, along with so many of the era, is the laughable accents of the 'posher' types, making people in places like America think that some English people actually DO talk like that still, when they don't! There are some good views of London before skyscrapers ruined the panorama, and when so many less ethnic minorities were around too showing the changed face of London. Watch out for the smaller British actors who made bigger names for themselves later on. As I've said, Victor Maddern (The Dick Emery Show) as a soldier and next to him was a young Henry McGee, 'Benny Hill's' right-hand man, making, it appears according to IMDb, his first film role, albeit non-speaking - though he's heard slightly to mutter. This is one of those British B-flicks that I didn't appreciate twenty years ago even, but now, after seeing so many, like this with a good plot and acting, I can't get enough of them! Let's hope some more trickle through - since Film 24, a UK golden-oldie satellite film channel has gone into liquidation, we have to rely on Channel Four or 'Movies4Men' if you have Satellite!

London has "Seven Days to Noon" before it faces destruction in this 1950 cold war film starring Barry Jones, Hugh Lane, Olive Sloane, and Joan Hickson. Jones plays Professor Willingdon, an overwrought scientist whose work in the atomic field has gotten to him; he feels his life's work is being used for evil rather for good. He sends a letter to the Prime Minister warning that if the government doesn't stop making nuclear weapons, he is going to blow up London the following Sunday. Willingdon then disappears from his job and family and hides out in London with an atom bomb in a suitcase.Stories about the possible destruction of humanity are never out of style, and, though low-budget, "Seven Days to Noon" is no exception. Though the end (at least for this viewer) was never in doubt, the film holds interest, with good acting, good pacing, and suspense.Two character actresses are standouts: Olive Sloane as a woman taken hostage by the scientist, and Joan Hickson, known today for playing Miss Marple on Masterpiece Theatre, as a landlady who is suspicious of him. Jones is very good as the disturbed Willingdon.Very good, recommended.

Seven Days To Noon is another masterpiece from the Boulting Brothers and, as you would expect is superbly written and directed.The much-under-rated Barry Jones is simply wonderful as the kindly professor with a moral dilemma. The cast succeeds in maintaining the tension nicely and Andre Morell is particularly convincing as the Superintendent, however I feel the most impressive part is the documentary-style photography, which allows the viewer a most interesting and revealing snapshot of post-war London.Anyone who enjoys the classic English dramas of the 40s and 50s will love this.Not to be missed.Please somebody bring it out on DVD soon!