The Last Page
| The Last Page | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Terence Fisher |
| Produced by | Anthony Hinds |
| Written by |
James Hadley Chase (play) Frederick Knott |
| Starring |
George Brent Marguerite Chapman Diana Dors |
| Music by | Frank Spencer |
| Cinematography | Walter J. Harvey |
| Edited by | Maurice Rootes |
Production company | |
| Distributed by |
Lippert Pictures (USA) Exclusive Films (UK) |
Release dates | 1952 |
Running time | 84 minutes |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
The Last Page, released in the United States as Man Bait, is a 1952 British film noir produced by Hammer Film Productions starring George Brent, Marguerite Chapman and Diana Dors.
The film is notable for being the first Hammer film directed by Terence Fisher, who later played a critical role in the creation of the company's immensely successful horror film cycle.
The Last Page is also notable for being the first film made under a four-year production and distribution contract between Hammer and the US film distribution company Lippert Pictures. As in all of these films, the leading role was played by a well-known Hollywood actor supplied by Lippert to ensure familiarity with American audiences.[1]
Plot
Bookstore manager John Harman (Brent) reprimands his attractive young clerk Ruby Bruce (Dors) for being late to work. Later the same day Ruby catches small-time crook Jeff Hart (Reynolds) trying to steal a rare book. Instead of turning him in she accepts a date with him. When Harman later tries to kiss Ruby she tells Hart who forces Ruby to blackmail Harman. When he refuses to pay off, Jeff tells Ruby to write a letter to Harman's sick wife, which causes her death from a heart attack. Dazed by the tragedy, Harman gives Ruby 300 pounds when she renews her demands. Jeff catches Ruby hiding part of the money, kills her and hides her body in a packing case. Harman discovers Ruby's body and, thinking he will be accused, flees in panic. He enlists the help of his secretary Stella (Chapman) who helps him hunt for clues. When Stella stumbles on Hart alone she is nearly killed by him but Harman arrives in time to save her. The police arrest Hart.
Cast
- George Brent as John Harman
- Marguerite Chapman as Stella Tracy
- Diana Dors as Ruby Bruce
- Meredith Edwards as Inspector Dale
- Harry Fowler as Joe, clerk
- Raymond Huntley as Clive Oliver
- Peter Reynolds as Jeffrey Hart
- Eleanor Summerfield as Vi
- Nelly Arno as Miss Rossetti[2]
References
- ↑ Lyons, Arthur (2000). Death on the Cheap: The Lost B Movies of Film Noir!. Da Capo Press. p. 115. ISBN 978-0-306-80996-5.
- ↑ "Nelly Arno". BFI. Retrieved 22 July 2015.