Watch The Frightened Man

The Frightened Man is a 1952 British film noir directed by John Gilling and starring Dermot Walsh, Barbara Murray, and Charles Victor. The plot revolves around a bank robbery and the investigation that follows. The film opens with an armored car pulling up outside a bank. Men in masks emerge, overpower the guards, and make off with the loot. We then cut to Detective Inspector Harry Baxter (played by Walsh) being called to investigate the crime. Baxter is a sharp, no-nonsense cop who quickly gets to work on the case.

As the investigation progresses, Baxter begins to suspect a man named Max Bruckner (played by Victor) of being involved in the robbery. Bruckner is a wealthy businessman with a shady past, and Baxter discovers that he has a key to the bank's back entrance. Baxter feels that he has enough evidence to arrest Bruckner, but his superiors are hesitant, afraid of the potential fallout from accusing such a powerful figure.

Complicating matters is Bruckner's beautiful wife, played by Murray. Baxter finds himself drawn to her, even as he suspects that she may be aiding her husband in the crime. As he digs deeper, Baxter finds himself increasingly isolated, with his colleagues and even his own wife doubting his judgment.

The film is a tense and atmospheric thriller that keeps the viewer guessing until the very end. The black and white cinematography, combined with the moody score, creates a sense of unease and menace throughout. The performances are excellent, with Dermot Walsh masterfully portraying the driven and obsessive detective and Charles Victor providing a memorable turn as the enigmatic suspect.

Overall, The Frightened Man is a classic example of the film noir genre, with all of the hallmarks that make these films so enduringly popular. It's a must-see for fans of the genre and anyone who appreciates a well-crafted thriller.