The Franchise Affair

Michael Denison and Dulcie Grey formed one of postwar Britain’s most popular screen pairings, and they lead an impressive cast in this adaptation of Josephine Tey’s novel of 1958 – named among the ‘Top 100 Crime Novels of All Time’ by the British Crime Writers’ Association. A mystery based on real-life events, The Franchise Affair has been adapted several times for film, radio and television; this 1950 adaptation is presented here in a brand-new transfer from the original film elements, in its as-exhibited theatrical aspect ratio.Young lawyer Robert Blair is called on in desperation by two women, mother and daughter, who live in a large, isolated house known as The Franchise, and have been questioned by the police in connection with a peculiar accusation. As feelings in the local village run high, the police build up a case on a formidable amount of circumstantial evidence – against which Blair can put only the improbability of the charge, and some unsuccessful amateur detection…Special Features:Image GalleryOriginal Promotional Materials PDFs

Your Witness

Adam Heyward, a leading American lawyer, hears that the man who saved his life at Anzio beach is now facing a murder charge, and decides to come to England to defend him. Arriving in a picture-postcard village, he learns of a female witness whose evidence might exonerate his friend, but who had fled the scene of the alleged crime in fear; in his efforts to trace her, Heyward faces a number of delicate and perplexing situations, all leading to a gripping climax…An intelligent, well-made thriller both starring and directed by double-Oscar-nominated Hollywood veteran Robert Montgomery, Your Witness also features the magnificent Leslie Banks in one of his final roles, and appearances by Stanley Baker, James Hayter and Michael Ripper; it is presented here in a brand-new transfer from the original film elements in its as-exhibited theatrical aspect ratio.Special Features:Image Gallery

Timeslip

A taut thriller interweaving sci-fi fantasy and a story of deadly industrial intrigue, Timeslip is a 1955 feature from Emmy Award-winning British writer and director Ken Hughes. Showcasing strong performances from American leads Gene Nelson and Faith Domergue, this rare feature (also known as The Atomic Man) is presented here in a brand-new transfer from the original film elements in its as-exhibited theatrical aspect ratio.A near-lifeless body is recovered from the Thames, shot twice in the back, and science reporter Delaney identifies the victim as Stephen Rayner, a nuclear physicist who works at a nearby research institute. Delaney goes to the institute and is introduced to a man everyone believes to be Rayner; the likeness is uncanny. Delaney returns to the hospital and questions the now conscious man, who mumbles the name 'VASQUO' and initials 'U.T.C.'... a revelation that unfolds into a drama of international espionage.Special Features:Image GalleryPromotional Material PDF

Lucky Girl

This jaunty musical comedy marked another success for former stage star Gene Gerrard, playing here opposite Molly Lamont - his frequent screen partner during the early 1930s who enjoyed a flourishing career in Hollywood during the later half of the decade. Co-directed by Gerrard, Lucky Girl is featured here in a brand-new transfer from the original film elements, in its as-exhibited theatrical aspect ratio.Gerrard plays Stephan Gregorovitch, the unwilling king of a bankrupt Ruritanian country who, along with his chancellor, is accused of stealing jewels at a party held by Duke Hugo. It is the delightful Lady Moira who comes to their aid...Special Features:Image Gallery

The Unearthly Stranger

A cleverly conceived, eerily atmospheric sci-fi chiller, Unearthly Stranger stars future Baron Munchausen John Neville as a scientist engaged in an experimental project like no other; Gabriella Licudi is his beautiful but otherworldly wife, who becomes the subject of great interest for his government superiors. This original, intelligent and compelling feature from award-winning Avengers director John Krish is presented here in a brand-new High Definition transfer from the original film elements, in its as-exhibited theatrical aspect ratio.TP91 is a secret and highly complex formula which will enable man to project himself through time and space; work in the field is conducted with the utmost security, using the finest scientific brains in the country. When Dr Munro succeeds in solving the first part of the formula, he is found dead before he is able to pass on the invaluable result, with the all-important paper bearing his calculations in ashes on his desk. His successor, government scientist Dr Mark Davidson, quickly senses that both he and his new wife are now in grave danger...Special Features:Original Theatrical TrailerImage GalleryPromotional Material PDF

Invasion

Based on a story by Doctor Who legend Robert Holmes, Public Eye creator Roger Marshall scripts this cult sci-fi thriller from Merton Park studios. Starring Edward Judd – memorably powerful in The Day the Earth Caught Fire – actor/writer Lyndon Brook and oriental beauty Yoko Tani, this brilliantly entertaining gem from 1965 is featured here in a brand-new transfer from the original film elements in its as-exhibited theatrical aspect ratio. Routine tests on a traffic accident victim lead to shocking discoveries when the man's blood is found to be unidentifiable and x-rays reveal a disc embedded in his brain. His fabulous tale of being an escaped prisoner from an alien spaceship takes a turn for the sinister when the hospital staff realise that they're under a state of siege... Special Features: Original Theatrical Trailer Image Gallery Original Promotional Materials PDFs

Please Teacher

This hilarious pre-war farce stars diminutive music-hall stalwart Bobby Howes as an heir-hunter whose determined efforts to trace his aunt's legacy lead to ructions in a girls' school! Also featuring stage veteran Lyn Harding, Australian comedienne Vera Pearce and noted character player Wylie Watson, Please Teacher is presented here in a brand-new transfer from the original film elements in its as-exhibited theatrical aspect ratio.Tommy Deacon learns that a gift bequeathed by his aunt is hidden in her house inside a bust of Napoleon. However, the house has been sold, and is now a girls' school – and to gain admission Tommy has to resort to guile and subterfuge...Special Features:Image GalleryPDF Material

The Middle Watch

Debonair screen veteran Jack Buchanan, Norwegian beauty Greta Gynt and monocled character player Fred Emney are among the many stars of this riotous comedy adapting a play by writer and Naval officer Stephen King-Hall, and noted novelist, playwright and historian Ian Hay. The Middle Watch is featured here in a brand-new transfer from the original film elements, in its as-exhibited theatrical aspect ratio.Through a series of unforeseen events, two glamorous young ladies find that they are obliged to spend the night on board the battleship HMS Falcon, where they have been attending a ‘bon voyage’ reception. At first it seems that Captain Randall will be able to keep them concealed, but then the Admiral unexpectedly arrives on board and orders the ship to sea. The result is maritime mayhem!Special FeaturesImage GalleryOriginal Script PDF

Dangerous Voyage

Also known as Terror Voyage, this 1954 crime mystery revisits the setting of director Vernon Sewell’s earlier feature Ghost Ship, starring athletic New Yorker (and future Men into Space lead) William Lundigan in an intriguing tale of peril in the English Channel. Shot at Merton Park Studios, Dangerous Voyage is featured here in a brand-new transfer from the original film elements, in its as-exhibited theatrical aspect ratio.Whilst cruising in their yacht, ‘Gelert’, John Drew and his sister Joan encounter a dis-masted vessel drifting helplessly, and take it in tow. Darkness falls as they approach the harbour, but the two men aboard the stricken yacht can be clearly seen in the rays of a searchlight. On entering the lock, however, the men are found to be missing and there is no clue on board the vessel as to her port of origin or destination. She has no name, and no papers of any kind. In fact, the only article of interest is a man’s left shoe...Special Features:Image GalleryOriginal Theatrical Trailer

Freedom of the Seas

Character player Clifford Mollison and celebrated playwright and actor H.F. Maltby are among the cast of this sprightly early-thirties comedy charting the exploits of an unlikely wartime hero. Freedom of the Seas – also notable as French director Marcel Varnel's first British film following a period in Hollywood – is featured here in a brand-new transfer from the original film elements in its as-exhibited theatrical aspect ratio.Mollison plays Smith, a mild-mannered clerk who becomes one of the first men to join up after the declaration of war in 1914. He joins the Navy, and – to the amazement of all and sundry – succeeds in outwitting various spies and sinking an enemy submarine...Special Features:Image GalleryPromotional Materials PDFs

The Woman's Angle

This romantic drama, co-written and directed by former Gainsborough Pictures kingpin Leslie Arliss, stars Edward Underdown as a man under uncomfortable scrutiny from the three women who know him best; the film also features a brief early appearance by Joan Collins, and a nightclub number from singer Teddy Johnson. The Woman's Angle is featured here in a brand-new transfer from the original film elements in its as-exhibited theatrical aspect ratio.In the divorce hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice, the judge is summing up the case of Mansell v. Mansell and van Rhyne. As she listens, Enid Mansell lets her thoughts roam back to the time when she first met her husband, and to the events which led to the break-up of their marriage...Special Features:Image Gallery

Oh Boy

South Shields-born comedian Albert Burdon stars in Albert de Courville's novel take on the classic tale of drinking the elixir of youth - with a twist! This rare comic gem, released in 1938 and based on a story by Lambeth Walk lyricist and playwright Douglas Furber, is presented in a brand-new transfer from original film elements in its as-exhibited theatrical aspect ratio.A mysterious Russian scientist presents a timid chemist with a potion which turns him from a weakling into a confident, vital male, able to defeat his rival and impress the girl of his choice. The only problem is that this mysterious substance has the unexpected result of causing him to revert gradually to babyhood! While this is happening, his father – a Beefeater – is being stalked by a gang of American criminals intent on stealing the Crown Jewels!Special Features:Image GalleryOriginal script PDF

The Hypnotist

Roland Culver plays a psychiatrist with deadly intentions in this crime thriller of 1957 – a classic British noir also starring William Hartnell, Gainsborough heroine Patricia Roc and veteran character actress Ellen Pollock. Also known as Scotland Yard Dragnet, The Hypnotist is scripted and directed by crime/suspense specialist Montgomery Tully, director of numerous instalments in the Edgar Wallace Mysteries series. It is featured here in a brand-new transfer from the original film elements, in its as-exhibited theatrical aspect ratio.Recovering in hospital after a plane crash, Val Neal, a young test pilot, begins to suffer psychosomatic attacks of pains in the chest, choking and mental blackouts. Mary, his fiancée, calls in psychiatrist Dr Pelham but, while under treatment, Val becomes violent and escapes Pelham's care. When he returns, Pelham tells him that during a mental blackout he has committed a murder...Special FeaturesOriginal Theatrical TrailerImage GalleryOriginal Promotional Materials PDF

You Can't Escape

Robert Urquhart, Guy Rolfe and BAFTA nominee Noelle Middleton feature in the cast of this complex crime drama – presented here in a brand-new transfer from the original film elements. Filmed in the 1.33:1 aspect ratio, You Can't Escape was framed for 1.66:1 for those theatres that at the time could exhibit widescreen images. Both versions are included on this release.Novelist Peter Darwin is engaged to heiress Kay March. When he accidentally kills Claire, his former mistress, during a quarrel, he persuades a reluctant Kay to help him bury the body in a wood. When the body is found and with the truth close to being uncovered, Darwin resorts to desperate actions to cover his crime...SPECIAL FEATURES:Full-Frame Version Original Theatrical Trailer Image Gallery

The Stolen Assignment

Directed by future Hammer stalwart Terence Fisher, this entertaining, light-hearted crime thriller centres around the adventures of sleuthing reporters Mike Billings (John Bentley) and Jenny Drew (Hy Hazell) as they try to unravel the alibi of a suspected murderer... Stolen Assignment is presented here in a brand-new transfer from the original film elements in its as-exhibited theatrical aspect ratio.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?

The Intruder

An excellent early feature from future Bond director Guy Hamilton, this engaging, emphatically human drama boasts outstanding performances from Jack Hawkins, as a distinguished former officer, and Michael Medwin, as the wartime hero he endeavours to save from a life of crime. Featuring strong support from Dennis Price, and George Cole, The Intruder is presented here in a brand-new transfer from the original film elements in its as-exhibited theatrical aspect ratio.Wolf Merton, a London stockbroker with a fine war record as colonel of a tank regiment, has since lost touch with all the men who served under his wartime command. One evening he returns to his Belgravia home to find that there is an intruder in the house – a young armed thug called Ginger Edwards, who he remembers well as one of the most fearless and spirited troopers under his leadership. But why has Ginger taken up housebreaking? And will Merton be able to help him to return to a more honourable way of life?SPECIAL FEATURESOriginal Theatrical Trailer Image Gallery

Our Man in Marrakesh

A traveller making a journey to the exotic Moroccan capital finds himself enmeshed in a web of suspicion and counter-espionage in this star-studded spy thriller with a difference!Odd Couple star Tony Randall is the American tourist whose eagerly awaited vacation turns into a potentially deadly adventure; Herbert Lom, Terry-Thomas and Austrian-born star Senta Berger are among the assorted spies and villains with whom he unwittingly tangles, with Klaus Kinski in suitably menacing form as the sinister stranger who tracks his every move.Directed by Hammer Films veteran Don Sharp and scripted from a story by British B-movie mogul Harry Alan Towers (under his regular pen-name 'Peter Welbeck'), Our Man in Marrakesh is a colourful blend of humour, glamour and intrigue, presented here in a brand-new transfer from the original film elements.SPECIAL FEATURES:Original Theatrical Trailer Image GalleryPromotional Material PDF>

Biddy

Featuring acclaimed actress and theatre director Celia Bannerman in the title role, Biddy takes a nostalgic journey into the delicate and loving life of a nursery maid in Victorian England; it is a warm, sometimes poignant film that celebrates the powerful relationships between Biddy and the young children that are placed in her gentle care as they grow into adulthood.Earning Bannerman an award at the Moscow Film Festival, this exquisite, intensely human film is written, directed and produced by the multiple Oscar and BAFTA-nominated team of Christine Edzard and Richard Goodwin – founder-directors of internationally renowned production company Sands Films. It is available here in a brand-new transfer in its original aspect ratio from original film elements.Bonus Features: Image Gallery Original brochure PDF

Intimate Relations

This wry, charming, romantic comedy features a marvellously caddish turn from Garry Marsh as a philandering husband whose wife proves to be every bit as adept as he in the art of deception! Also starring the lovely June Clyde and '30s comedy legend Moore Marriott, with music from acclaimed British bandleader Lew Stone, Intimate Relations is presented here in a brandnew transfer from the original film elements, in its as-exhibited theatrical aspect ratio.George Gommery enjoys slipping up to town to see some little actress, and never suspects that his wife can play the same game just as well as he can. Or at least, he never suspects until he tells his wife that her lover is engaged to the woman whom he has been entertaining in London...

Someone at the Door

When Sally inherits a country house, her young brother Ronald, an aspiring journalist, hits on a sensational way to make his first big scoop: Sally will 'disappear', and he will be arrested for her murder! At his trial she will reappear, his acquittal will follow, and he will be able to supply his paper with an exclusive story. Sally and her fiance, Bill, fall in with the scheme. However, there are complications which they had not foreseen...This humorous thriller was among several ’30s films featuring Aileen Marson, a tragically short-lived British actress whose career briefly flourished on both sides of the Atlantic. Marson’s co-stars include impeccable comedic actor and singer Billy Milton, and veteran screen villain Noah Beery; the film is directed by leading silent-era director/actor/writer Herbert Brenon – nominated for Best Director at the very first Academy Awards ceremony in 1927. Someone at the Door is presented here in a brand-new transfer from the original film elements, in its as-exhibited theatrical aspect ratio.