THE FRIGHTENED MAN is another low budget British crime film written and directed by the ever-present John Gilling. Once again Gilling was working for the Berman and Baker team at Tempean Films and and once again he has managed to craft a well-told and engaging tale from very little resources.The film features the ubiquitous Dermot Walsh (complete with his trademark white hair streak) as an anti-hero who's something of a scoundrel; he begins the film by quitting his studies at Oxford and returning to his father, begging charity. His father wants him to come and work at his antiques shop but Walsh is more interested in romancing the lodger and getting involved with some ne'er-do-well characters.Eventually the main thrust of the film becomes your typical heist thriller, with plenty of tension utilised to keep the viewer occupied right until the fitting climax. Walsh does well as a truly detestable character but THE FRIGHTENED MAN is of particular note thanks to the efforts of the supporting cast. Charles Victor is excellent as the doting father who'll do anything to see his son succeed while Barbara Murray is never irritating as the woman drawn into his wiles. Michael Ward, Thora Hird, John Horsley, Ballard Berkeley, and Martin Benson all put in solid turns too. There's little to dislike about this well-plotted film.

Dastardly Dermot is sent down from Oxford where he had been sent on the profits of his fathers fencing.Notwithstanding this Dermotseems to believe that he is still entitled to a reasonable standard of living.so eventually he becomes a member of Martin Bensons gang.Unfortunately he makes a very inauspicious debut.However he is able to propose a diamond robbery.Unfortunately everything goes so wrong it is a surprise that the police don't catch them till after the bungled job.Dermot decides to do a runner but falls to his death from a roof whilst his father and wife look helplessly on.this film manages to pack a lot into its 67 minutes running time.A really fine cast as well

Julius Rosselli (Dermot Walsh) is coming home for what his father thinks is just a visit. After all, the young man is going to Oxford. However, he soon admits that he's been thrown out of school. While you'd think his father would be furious, Mr. Rosselli (Charles Victor) adores his son and cannot imagine that he is a bad sort. But Julius is spoiled and rather hateful--and soon falls in with criminal elements. The bottom line is that he wants wealth and fun but doesn't want to work for it. It's a shame, as he's not only hurting his father but has just convinced a nice lady to marry him and she is bound to be disappointed in her husband. All the while, Mr. Rosselli loves his son and puts up with all sorts of verbal abuse from the guy. You really want to see Julius get what he deserves and what happens next, you'll just have to see for yourself. However, expect the unexpected in this lovely little crime film."The Frightened Man" turned out to be a dandy movie despite the very low budget and a cast consisting mostly of lesser-known actors. The script was great--with some wonderful characters and a great plot twist near the end. Walsh, in particular, did a great job in his portrayal of Julius--the guy you love to hate. However, Victor also did a darned nice job. Overall a very good film with everything going for it but a big budget. Well worth your time.

I saw this on the television last night. It is a good 1950's B-movie thriller. Whilst the plot is a bit hackneyed in places, it is well acted and well directed. If you like this sort of film it is well worth a viewing. If you are not a fan of this sort of film, but want to kill 69 minutes, it should do the job.