Cast
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Richard Denning
as Major Gregory Keen
Carole Mathews
as Hedy Bergner
Ronald Adam
as Scammel / Dumetrius
Danny Green
as Yotti Blum
Brian Worth
as Capt. Peter Ridgeway
Hugh Moxey
as Sgt. Tom Coutts
Peter Swanwick
as Monsieur Paul Bonnet
Elwyn Brook-Jones
as Digby Mitchel
Ronald Leigh-Hunt
as Col. Julian Fentriss, M.I.5.
Robert Vincent O'Neil
as Capt. Hank Godowski
Paul Hardtmuth
as Dr. Buchmann
Bill Nagy
as Marzotti
Alex Gallier
as Max Rubenstein
Robert Crewdson
as Control Officer
Jimmy Cains
as Gassner
Crew
Director
- Maclean Rogers
Writer
- Maclean Rogers
Producer
- William G. Chalmers
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Assignment Redhead 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 Maclean Rogers 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 1956, 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 Assignment Redhead took approximately 31 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 79 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 116 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 7 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1956, when this film was released:
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Assignment Redhead shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Little Witch, which focuses more on action than character development, Assignment Redhead offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like A Pinwheel Without Wind and What's Eating Gilbert Grape explore similar territory, Assignment Redhead stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
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: October 1, 1956
- Runtime: 1h 19m
