Anonyme Briefe

NIGHT OF THE PROWLER is another cheap thriller from the Butcher's studio and another effort from director Francis Searle who seemed to churn out one picture after another during the period. This one's a little rough around the edges, marred by some weak writing and even weaker performances, although at just an hour in length it's a watchable enough picture.

The action is set in and around an engineering firm in which the directors are being mercilessly bumped off one by one by a mysterious hat-wearing figure. Old-time copper John Horsley suspects an ex-con with a grievance but the plot thickens when bizarre incidents begin to occur to the remaining directors. I have to say that I found this story quite predictable as I managed to work out the end about twenty minutes in, but it remains watchable in spite of this.

The title is a bit of a misnomer as it makes this film sound like a proto slasher when it isn't. There isn't really much in the way of prowling around at all, certainly no more so than in other thrillers from the era. Patrick Holt is good value as the rather unlikeable lead, juggling his ex-wife and new girlfriend along with his business. There's some early car racing stuff which is quite interesting although the lack of a real budget is always apparent. Marianne Stone has her usual cameo. Anne Clune as Holt's new girlfriend threatens to derail events with an appalling performance but thankfully she doesn't have too much screen time.