| Breakaway | |
|---|---|
.jpg) OriginalBritish quad poster | |
| Directed by | Henry Cass |
| Written by | Norman Hudis |
| Based on | an original story byManning O'Brine |
| Produced by | Robert S. Baker Monty Berman |
| Starring | Tom Conway Michael Balfour Honor Blackman Brian Worth |
| Cinematography | Monty Berman |
| Edited by | Anne Barker |
| Music by | Stanley Black Ivor Slaney |
Production company | Cipa |
| Distributed by | RKO Radio Pictures(UK) |
Release date |
|
Running time | 72 minutes |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
Breakaway is a 1955 Britishsecond feature ('B')[1]thriller film directed byHenry Cass and starringTom Conway,Michael Balfour andHonor Blackman.[2][3] It was written byNorman Hudis based on a story byManning O'Brine.[4] Aprivate eye is hot on the tail of a stolen secret formula and a kidnapped young woman. It is a sequel toBarbados Quest (1955).
In Berlin, Johnny Matlock obtains a secret formula from a dying scientist. On his return to London, Matlock and his girlfriend Diane are attacked by a gang who steal the formula and kidnap Diane. Private investigator Tom "Duke" Martin investigates.
The Monthly Film Bulletin wrote: "A rather confused thriller, with some familiar London locations and a number of car chases. Tom Conway and Michael Balfour give reliable performances as the private detective and his moronic partner.[5]
Kine Weekly wrote: "Stoutly carpentered story, breezy light relief, pleasing romantic touches, hearty climax and quota ticket."[6]
Today's Cinema called the film "slickly manufactured crime entertainment."[7]
TV Guide called it an "absurdwhodunit".[8]
InBritish Sound Films: The Studio Years 1928–1959David Quinlan rated the film as "mediocre", writing: "Tedious thriller with regulation car chases."[9]