Appointment with Crime (1946)
A gripping British noir in which a betrayed thief plots cold, calculated revenge against the partners who left him to rot.
Appointment with Crime - Movie Information
- Original Title: Appointment with Crime
- Release Year: 1946
- Directed by: John Harlow
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Crime, Drama
- Age Rating (US): NR
- Runtime: 1h 32m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): May 13, 1946 (United Kingdom), February 18, 1951 (United States - NR)
- Production Companies: British National Films
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
Appointment with Crime - Plot
Small-time jewel thief Leo Martin is deserted by his partners-in-crime, club owner Gus Loman and driver Hatchett, when the robbery they are committing goes wrong. After serving his prison sentence, Leo emerges with an intricate plan for revenge. Leo implicates Loman, as well as his amoral boss, Gregory Lang, for murder -- but Inspector Rogers suspects Leo.
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Appointment with Crime - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- John Harlow
Main Cast
- William Hartnell
- Raymond Lovell
- Robert Beatty
- Herbert Lom
- Joyce Howard
- Alan Wheatley
- Cyril Smith
- Elsie Wagstaff
- Ian Fleming
- Wally Patch
Writers
- John Harlow
Producers
- Louis H. Jackson
Appointment with Crime - FAQs
What is Appointment with Crime about?
Appointment with Crime follows Leo Martin, a small-time jewel thief abandoned by his partners when a robbery goes wrong. After serving his prison sentence, he returns with a carefully crafted scheme to frame his former associates for murder — only to find himself under suspicion from the relentless Inspector Rogers.
Who are the main actors in Appointment with Crime?
William Hartnell leads the cast as the calculating Leo Martin, with Herbert Lom playing the menacing crime boss Gregory Lang. Raymond Lovell portrays club owner Gus Loman, Robert Beatty takes on the role of Det. Insp. Rogers, and Joyce Howard appears as Carol Dane.
Is Appointment with Crime a British noir film?
Absolutely. Appointment with Crime is considered a fine example of British noir from the mid-1940s. It blends shadowy crime thriller atmosphere with a morally complex revenge narrative, and it's often cited as an early showcase for Herbert Lom before his rise to international stardom.
When was Appointment with Crime released?
The film had its original release in the United Kingdom on May 13, 1946. It later reached American audiences on February 18, 1951. Directed by John Harlow, it was produced by British National Films and remains a notable entry in postwar British crime cinema.
Who directed Appointment with Crime?
John Harlow directed Appointment with Crime. Harlow also wrote the screenplay, giving the film a unified creative vision. He was a prolific British filmmaker during the 1940s, and this picture stands among his more accomplished works in the crime and thriller genre.
Is Appointment with Crime worth watching for classic film fans?
For fans of classic British noir and postwar crime cinema, it's well worth a look. William Hartnell delivers a gripping performance as the cold, calculating Leo Martin, and an early Herbert Lom appearance adds real menace. The film's tight plotting and atmospheric tension make it a rewarding watch.
What are similar films to Appointment with Crime?
If you enjoy Appointment with Crime, you might also like Brighton Rock (1948), Corridor of Mirrors (1948), The Long Memory (1953), Obsession (1949), and Yield to the Night (1956). These British crime dramas share a similarly dark, morally charged atmosphere rooted in postwar noir sensibilities.
How long is Appointment with Crime?
Appointment with Crime runs for 92 minutes — just over an hour and a half. It's a lean, well-paced crime thriller that doesn't overstay its welcome, keeping the tension tight from Leo Martin's betrayal and imprisonment right through to the film's suspenseful conclusion.
More About Appointment with Crime
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