Peter Cushing learns a thing or two about humility in this exciting caper drama set in the world of banking. When an alleged agent from a banking insurance agency shows up in his office, Cushing (who has just told off practically every member of his staff and threatened to fire one) finds himself pushed into a corner when the agent turns out to be a robber who tells him that his men are holding his wife and son hostage and unless Cushing turns over 93,000, his men will have his wife electrocuted, not killing her, but leaving her totally mentally incapacitated. This puts the usually controlling Cushing into the position of being the controlled, and gives the audience an insight into the emptiness of this man's soul.
The severe face of Cushing is well utilized for the character of Mr. Fordeyes (a Dickens-like take on "Four Eyes" for this be-speckled character perhaps?), an Ebenezer Scrooge if there ever was one. The fact that this takes place near Christmas time and the staff members of the bank are discussing whether or not there will be a Christmas party makes that comparison even more perfect. The audience also gets to look both into the criminal mind and the security workings of a bank, and each twist and turn that this caper takes will bring you close to the edge of your seat. It isn't the banker you care about, but the staff and his unseen wife. Eventually, as his desperation becomes more apparent, you do begin to feel something for Cushing, if at least pity. André Morell delivers a sly performance as the alleged Colonel, while Richard Vernon is also excellent as the chief clerk whose 10+ years of service are being threatened by Cushing's accusations of incompetence. In the end, this is not only a caper film, but a drama about the importance of compassion and understanding in the work place, something we can all identify with.
The severe face of Cushing is well utilized for the character of Mr. Fordeyes (a Dickens-like take on "Four Eyes" for this be-speckled character perhaps?), an Ebenezer Scrooge if there ever was one. The fact that this takes place near Christmas time and the staff members of the bank are discussing whether or not there will be a Christmas party makes that comparison even more perfect. The audience also gets to look both into the criminal mind and the security workings of a bank, and each twist and turn that this caper takes will bring you close to the edge of your seat. It isn't the banker you care about, but the staff and his unseen wife. Eventually, as his desperation becomes more apparent, you do begin to feel something for Cushing, if at least pity. André Morell delivers a sly performance as the alleged Colonel, while Richard Vernon is also excellent as the chief clerk whose 10+ years of service are being threatened by Cushing's accusations of incompetence. In the end, this is not only a caper film, but a drama about the importance of compassion and understanding in the work place, something we can all identify with.