Watch See How They Run
- 1964
- 1 hr 40 min
-
8.3 (89)
See How They Run is a 1964 British comedy-thriller starring an impressive cast of actors that include John Forsythe, Senta Berger, and Jane Wyatt. Directed by Leslie Martinson and based on the 1960 novel The Next Best Thing by James Hadley Chase, the film told the story of a bestselling author who is kidnapped by his secretary and her boyfriend.
The film is a stylish and fast-paced thriller that exhibits the inherent tension between status and ambition. It is set in London, where Matthew (played by Forsythe) is a successful author who lives with his sister Edith (Wyatt). He is at the peak of his career and has a happy, quiet life until the night he is kidnapped.
Matthew's secretary, Lisa (played by Berger), who is secretly in love with him, has convinced her boyfriend Mike (played by William Berger) to kidnap him. Lisa's motive is to blackmail Matthew so that he divorces his wife and marries her instead. However, things do not go as planned, and when Mike threatens to kill Matthew, Lisa springs to action, and the two escape.
What follows is a captivating game of cat and mouse as the kidnappers and their hostage try to evade the police, who are in hot pursuit. The film offers numerous twists and turns that keep the audience on the edge of their seats, wondering precisely how the trio will escape the clutches of the police.
Perhaps one of the most impressive aspects of See How They Run is the impeccable performances by the cast. John Forsythe is strikingly handsome as the kidnapped author, and his character's calm demeanor in the face of danger is a testament to his acting skills. Senta Berger is brilliant as the beautiful, intelligent, and ambitious secretary who is driven by the desire for success and love. She delivers a complex and nuanced performance that keeps the audience engaged throughout the film.
The supporting cast is equally impressive. Jane Wyatt plays the role of Edith, Matthew's sister, and provides the perfect comic relief to an otherwise tense film. William Berger as Mike is menacing and unpredictable, keeping the audience guessing about his next move.
Apart from the sterling performances, the film is famous for its expert cinematography, sharp editing, and stunning production design. The use of black and white photography complements the film's noir styling, and the lighting is excellent, creating an atmosphere of fear and tension.
The film's soundtrack is also noteworthy, with the score composed by John Barry, who is also known for his work on the James Bond films. His expert use of suspenseful strings and percussion provides a hauntingly beautiful accompaniment to the action on screen.
In conclusion, See How They Run is a stylish and thrilling film that expertly blends comedy and suspense. It is a testament to the creativity and skill of British cinema and showcases some of the era's best acting talents. With its twists and turns, expert cinematography, and stunning soundtrack, See How They Run remains an enjoyable and memorable experience for audiences even today, nearly sixty years after its release.