Nightbeat

In many ways this film is a clear attempt, by a British studio, to emulate the successful film noirs prevalent in the USA. To a great degree it achieves that objective, mainly through the lively cameo performances from Christine Norden, Maxwell Reed and Sidney James. The scenes containing those characters are among the best in the film. The story is lively-paced and passes the time quickly. However, where the film falls down is in its poor editing, and the lacklustre performances of the two leading males. In particular, Hector Ross displays about as much animation and personality as a glove puppet. His performance has to be seen to be believed. Overall though Nightbeat is an entertaining film.