Cast
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Nigel Patrick
as Gerald Coates
Moira Lister
as Babs Coates
Beatrice Campbell
as Joyce Penrose
Betty Ann Davies
as Pinkie Collins
Michael Hordern
as Inspector Ayling
Noel Purcell
as Philip Balfour
Leslie Mitchell
as Jack Donovan
Barry MacKay
as Sergeant Gibson
Colin Gordon
as Buns Darling
Gibb McLaughlin
as Morton
Richard Grayden
as Chandler
May Hallatt
as Hoskyns
George Sequira
as George
Ernest Jay
as Railway Official
Russell Waters
as Plainclothes Detective
Crew
Director
- Bob McNaught
Writer
- Bob McNaught
Reviews
CinemaSerf
What ought to have been night of celebration turns sour for Grand National winning owner "Coates" (Nigel Patrick) when a contretemps with his drunken wife "Babs" (Moira Lister) leaves him the subject of a police investigation. The thing is - what really happened that night and can the pernickety "Insp. Ayling" (Michael Hordern) piece it all together? Lister features but sparingly, but her characterisation of "Babs" does rather get under your fingernails, so as the police work proceeded I did start to feel just a bit of sympathy for her rather idiotic, but good natured, husband - and Patrick is on decent form in that role here. It skips along nicely and engagingly for eighty minutes with a solid contribution from the usually reliable Noel Purcell and a soupçon of glamour from the underused Beatrice Campbell too. Maybe not his "latest and greatest screen role" as it said in the publicity blurb, but it's not a bad vehicle for a star who does enough here to keep it interesting, if not exactly intriguing with what must have been a fairly limited budget.
Nov 5, 2023
Thematic Analysis
Grand National Night represents a fascinating example of Crime/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 Bob McNaught 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 1953, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Grand National Night took approximately 29 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 80 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 126 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The costume department created over 250 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The musical score contains over 52 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 1953, when this film was released:
- Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
- 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
Details
- Release Date: April 15, 1953
- Runtime: 1h 20m