Escape (1948)

Director:

Joseph L. Mankiewicz

Writers:

Philip Dunne (writer)
John Galsworthy (play)

Release Date:

6 September 1948 (Sweden)

Genre:

Thriller

Plot:

Plot Keywords:

Remake | Based On Play

Cast

Rex Harrison	...	Matt Denant
Peggy Cummins	...	Dora Winton
William Hartnell	...	Inspector Harris
Norman Wooland	...	Minister
Jill Esmond	...	Grace Winton
Frederick Piper	...	Brownie - convict
Marjorie Rhodes	...	Mrs. Pinkem
Betty Ann Davies	...	Girl in Park
Cyril Cusack	...	Rodgers
John Slater	...	Salesman
Frank Pettingell	...	Constable Beames
Michael Golden	...	Detective Penter
Frederick Leister	...	Judge
Walter Hudd	...	Defense Counsel
Maurice Denham	...	Crown Counsel

Runtime:

78 min

Country:

UK | USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Finland:K-16

Filming Locations:

Dartmoor, Devon, England, UK

Company:

Twentieth Century-Fox Productions

Trivia:

William Hartnell (Inspector Harris) and Patrick Troughton (Shepherd) would both later achieve widespread fame for playing the Doctor in "Doctor Who" (1963). Hartnell played the First Doctor from 1963 to 1966 while Troughton played the Second Doctor from 1966 to 1969.

Movie Connections:

Remake of Escape (1930)

entertaining in its way

The acting of the main characters - Harrison, Cummins and Hartnell - are convincing but generally lack a great deal of passion. Everyone behaves pretty much as one would expect. There are many twists and turns in the plot but these are often fairly predictable; one is rarely surprised. The settings - prison, village, moor, country cottage, are just what they're supposed to be, no more, no less. The dialogue is convincing, and also just what you might expect. There is variety of tone and many moments of humour, darker points, philosophical themes regarding justice, honour and life. Generally, the film takes its time making its points, just so you don't miss them. So it rolls along in an amiable manner and is enjoyable to watch; however, it does lack some of the sparkle of the 1930 version.