Cast
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Gene Nelson
as Greg Carradine
Mona Freeman
as Terry Moffat Carradine
John Bentley
as Det. Sgt. Seagrave
Michael Goodliffe
as John Moffat
Michael Golden
as The Chief Inspector
Paula Byrne
as Vera Bellamy
Cyril Chamberlain
as Anderson (murder victim)
Charles Victor
as Tom Smithers
Kay Callard
as Blonde at bar
Sydney Tafler
as Alf Cressett
Charles Mortimer
as Mr. Harding (publisher)
Crew
Director
- Montgomery Tully
Writer
- Montgomery Tully
Producer
- Alec C. Snowden
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Dial 999 represents a fascinating example of Thriller/Mystery cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Montgomery Tully 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 pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1955, 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 Dial 999 took approximately 7 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 86 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 126 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 10 months to complete.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
- The musical score contains over 43 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 1955, when this film was released:
- Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Dial 999 shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Shooter, which focuses more on action than character development, Dial 999 subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Out of the Past and Kiss of the Dragon explore similar territory, Dial 999 stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: December 1, 1955
- Runtime: 1h 26m
