Stolen Assignment (1955)
A missing wife, a suspicious artist, and an alibi that may not be all it seems — a brisk British crime comedy from director Terence Fisher.
Stolen Assignment - Movie Information
Stolen Assignment - Plot
Henry Crossley is an artist whose wife is spending a week's holiday with her aunt. But when her aunt comes to see him, worried because her niece has not arrived, a police investigation into her disappearance begins. It seems that Henry was fully occupied at the time his wife went missing; but is his alibi completely truthful?
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Stolen Assignment - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Terence Fisher
Main Cast
- John Bentley
- Hy Hazell
- Eddie Byrne
- Patrick Holt
- Joyce Carey
- Kay Callard
- Jessica Cairns
- Charles Farrell
- Violet Gould
- Michael Ellison
Writers
- Maurice Harrison
- Kenneth R. Hayles
- Sidney Nelson
Producers
- Francis Searle
Stolen Assignment - FAQs
What is Stolen Assignment about?
Stolen Assignment follows Henry Crossley, an artist whose wife mysteriously vanishes while supposedly visiting her aunt. When the aunt turns up at his door worried, a police investigation begins — and the real question becomes whether Henry's alibi holds up under scrutiny. It's a compact British crime comedy with a whodunit edge.
Is Henry Crossley's alibi actually truthful in the film?
That's the central tension of the story. Henry appears to have been fully occupied when his wife went missing, but the film keeps you guessing about whether his alibi is entirely above board. The investigation peels back layers of deception, making it a fun and twisty watch.
Who directed Stolen Assignment?
Terence Fisher directed Stolen Assignment. Fisher is best remembered today for his defining work on Hammer Horror classics like Dracula and Frankenstein, but earlier in his career he helmed a string of tight British B-pictures like this one, showcasing his confident, efficient storytelling style.
Who are the main actors in Stolen Assignment?
The cast is led by John Bentley as reporter Mike Billings and Hy Hazell as Jenny Drew. Patrick Holt plays the suspect Henry Crossley, with Eddie Byrne as Inspector Corcoran. Joyce Carey, Kay Callard, and Jessica Cairns round out a solid ensemble in this brisk British crime comedy.
How long is Stolen Assignment?
Stolen Assignment runs just 62 minutes — a tight, no-fuss runtime that was typical of British B-pictures from the 1950s. It moves quickly and doesn't overstay its welcome, making it an easy watch for fans of classic crime comedies who want something compact and entertaining.
When was Stolen Assignment released?
Stolen Assignment was released on August 1, 1955, in the United Kingdom. It was produced by A.C.T. Films and Unit, fitting neatly into the wave of modest but entertaining British crime pictures that populated cinema screens throughout the mid-1950s.
Is Stolen Assignment based on a true story?
No, Stolen Assignment is not based on a true story. It's an original fictional crime comedy written by Maurice Harrison, Kenneth R. Hayles, and Sidney Nelson. The story of a missing wife and a suspicious alibi is a classic genre setup, crafted for entertainment rather than drawn from real events.
What are some movies similar to Stolen Assignment?
If you enjoy Stolen Assignment's blend of crime and comedy, you might like Breaking News in Yuba County (2021), Where the Money Is (2000), Thick as Thieves (1999), or Intermission (2003). Things Change (1988) and Amateur (1994) also offer that same mix of wit and criminal intrigue worth exploring.
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