Stryker of the Yard (also known as Stryker of Scotland Yard, Scotland Yard Cases and Inspector Stryker) is a 1953 British second feature ('B')[1] crime film directed by Arthur Crabtree and starring Clifford Evans, Susan Stephen, Jack Watling and Eliot Makeham.[2][3] It was written by Lester Powell and Guy Morgan.
| Stryker of the Yard | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Arthur Crabtree |
| Written by | Lester Powell Guy Morgan |
| Starring | Clifford Evans Susan Stephen Jack Watling |
| Music by | Lambert Williamson |
Production company | |
Running time | 67 minutes |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
The film comprises two episodes of the British television series Stryker of the Yard, edited together: "The Case of the Studio Payroll" and "The Case of Uncle Henry". A second compilation film, Companions in Crime, followed in 1954.[4]
TV series
editThe 15-episode TV series, starring Evans, George Woodbridge, and Tim Turner[5] was produced by William N. Boyle in 1953–1954 and broadcast in the U.S. by ABC in 1957, and in Britain by ATV in 1962–1963.[1][6] Host Tom Fallon introduced each episode, and at the end of each story intoned: "And it just goes to show that crime does not pay."[5] The episode "The Case of Uncle Henry" is believed lost.[7]
Cast
edit(1) refers to "The Case of the Studio Payroll"; (2) refers to "The Case of Uncle Henry".
- Clifford Evans as Inspector Stryker (1, 2)
- Susan Stephen as Peggy Sinclair (1)
- Jack Watling as Tony Ashworth (1)
- Eliot Makeham as Uncle Henry Petheridge (2)
- George Woodbridge as Sergeant Hawker (1, 2)
Reception
editThe Monthly Film Bulletin wrote: "To give this 'double-decker' a convincing appearance, it is introduced by an ex-Scotland Yard officer. This, however, cannot cover up the improbable plots and poor script. Not even the conscientious playing – notably by Eliot Makeham as Uncle Henry – succeeds in bringing the film to life."[8]
In British Sound Films: The Studio Years 1928–1959 David Quinlan rated the film as "mediocre", writing: "Light-hearted, light-weight sleuthing; only Makeham brings it to life."[9]
References
edit- ^ a b Chibnall, Steve; McFarlane, Brian (2009). The British 'B' Film. London: BFI/Bloomsbury. p. 228. ISBN 978-1-8445-7319-6.
- ^ "Stryker of the Yard". British Film Institute Collections Search. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
- ^ "Stryker of the Yard (1953)". Archived from the original on 16 January 2009.
- ^ "Companions in Crime (1954)". Archived from the original on 2 October 2016.
- ^ a b "CTVA UK – "Stryker Of The Yard" (UK theatrical 1953-54) Clifford Evans, George Woodbridge".
- ^ "Stryker of Scotland Yard". TV Guide. Archived from the original on 28 November 2016.
- ^ "STRYKER OF THE YARD [ITV, 1961-62]". lostshows.com. Retrieved 22 January 2013.
- ^ "Stryker of the Yard". The Monthly Film Bulletin. 21 (240): 28. 1 January 1954 – via ProQuest.
- ^ Quinlan, David (1984). British Sound Films: The Studio Years 1928–1959. London: B.T. Batsford Ltd. p. 382. ISBN 0-7134-1874-5.
External links
edit- Stryker of the Yard at IMDb (Film)
- Stryker of the Yard at IMDb (TV series)
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