Cast
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John Loder
as Inspector Jim Grant
Anna Lee
as Jennie Carr
Francis L. Sullivan
as Hugo Brant
Frank Cellier
as Sam Pryor
Desmond Tester
as Arnold James
Athene Seyler
as Aunt Veronica
William Dewhurst
as Mortimer
Drusilla Wills
as Mrs. Carr
Jerry Verno
as Steward
James Pirrie
as Billy Cooper
Ellen Pollock
as Miss Harvey
Arthur Goullet
as Henry Abel
Peter Bull
as Spurgeon
Tony Quinn
as Harrigan
H.G. Stoker
as Captain
Crew
Director
- Robert Stevenson
Writer
- Curt Siodmak
Reviews
CinemaSerf
Now, I thought that the Airbus A380 was an impressive airliner but the one used in this 1937 murder mystery makes it look like a Sopwith Camel! It has all the facilities of an ocean liner (though not quite an entire promenade deck to enjoy at 35,000 feet)! Anna Lee ("Annie") witnesses a murder and gets framed for theft for her troubles. Once released from a London prison she discovers than an innocent man is to go to the gallows in New York for the murder, so tries to persuade a somewhat sceptical "Insp. Grant" (John Loder) to intervene - but to no avail. So, she stows away on our luxury airliner to New York in a race to stop his execution. By chance (?), Francis L. Sullivan is also on the plane - impersonating an Uruguayan general and Desmond Tester (whom you might recall is Sabu's pal in "The Drum") as the annoying virtuouso child musician with a penchant for the saxophone - alongside our doubting Scotland Yard Inspector. Sullivan's accent is a bit distracting but he is still quite a sinister character as he sets about to try and kill "Annie" and escape. Athene Seyler also brings some charm as the fusspot "Aunt Veronica". The plot is reasonably complex and at around 70 minutes there is enough to keep us going until the last 5 minutes which, I'm afraid, border on the ridiculous.
Jun 20, 2022
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Non-Stop New York examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Robert Stevenson brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1937, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Non-Stop New York took approximately 21 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 69 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 104 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 7 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The film contains approximately 2372 individual shots.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 1937, when this film was released:
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Non-Stop New York shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Wait Until Dark, which focuses more on action than character development, Non-Stop New York offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The American Friend and Freeway explore similar territory, Non-Stop New York stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: September 13, 1937
- Runtime: 1h 9m
Where to Watch
