Cast
View All
Van Johnson
as Phillip Hannon
Vera Miles
as Jean Lennox
Cecil Parker
as Bob Matthews
Patricia Laffan
as Miss Alice MacDonald
Maurice Denham
as Inspector Grovening
Estelle Winwood
as Barmaid
Liam Redmond
as Mr Murch
Isobel Elsom
as Lady Syrett
Martin Benson
as Pillings
Natalie Norwick
as Janet Murch
Terence de Marney
as Sergeant Luce
Robin Alalouf
as
Ashley Cowan
as
Arthur Gomez
as
A. Cameron Grant
as
Crew
Director
- Henry Hathaway
Producer
- Henry Ephron
Reviews
John Chard
A truly pleasant surprise.
Philip Hannon is a blind playwright residing in London, during one of his R&R moments at the local public house, he overhears part of a conversation that suggests the vile kidnapping of a child. Getting the police force to take him seriously proves hard to achieve, so with the help of his trusty butler and his ex fiancée, Jean Lennox, he hopes to avert a dastardly crime.
Well well well, sometimes you can tune into a film not expecting much more than a B movie rush, yet just occasionally you get submarined and get a mysterious treat that deserves far better support than it actually gets. I have been delighted to log on to this films page and see that others have been entertained by this picture as much as myself. This is not ground breaking or even remotely original, in fact it does play out as some sort of cheap knock off idea that Hitchcock turned down in his sleep, but you know what? Sometimes a film can be great just for having an honest will to entertain the viewers with suspense and mystery being its main fortitudes.
Henry Hathaway directs and it's just another film to prove that as up and down as his career was, he was never afraid to tackle different genres, here, with the London location totally interesting, he manages to knit it all together with impressive results. Van Johnson has his critics, and it would be foolish of me to not concur that at times he has been wooden, but here as the blind Phillip Hannon, he shows that if given good enough roles he was more than able to rise to the challenge. Not one to revisit often for sure, but seriously recommended to those who like the genre and are stuck for a good film to watch. 7/10
Mar 22, 2020
Thematic Analysis
23 Paces to Baker Street represents a fascinating example of Crime/Mystery/Thriller 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 Henry Hathaway 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 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 23 Paces to Baker Street took approximately 34 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $1.4 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 103 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 161 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 11 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The costume department created over 290 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1956, when this film was released:
- Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While 23 Paces to Baker Street shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Everybody Knows, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, 23 Paces to Baker Street subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Dark Tapes and Night Gallery explore similar territory, 23 Paces to Baker Street stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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: May 18, 1956
- Runtime: 1h 43m
- Budget: $1,375,000
