| Too Dangerous to Live | |
|---|---|
.jpg) | |
| Directed by | Anthony Hankey Leslie Norman |
| Screenplay by | Leslie Arliss Connery Chappell Paul Gangelin David Hume (novel) |
| Produced by | Jerome Jackson |
| Starring | Sebastian Shaw Anna Konstam Reginald Tate |
| Cinematography | Basil Emmott |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | Warner Brothers-First National |
Release date |
|
Running time | 74 minutes |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
Too Dangerous to Live is a 1939 British crime film directed by Anthony Hankey and Leslie Norman and starring Sebastian Shaw, Anna Konstam and Reginald Tate.[1][2] The screenplay was by Leslie Arliss, Connery Chappell and Paul Gangelin based on the 1933 novel Crime Unlimited by David Hume.
Preservation status
The British Film Institute National Archive holds a collection of stills but no film or video materials.[1]
Premise
A private detective goes undercover by joining a gang of burglars.
Cast
- Sebastian Shaw as Jacques Leclerc
- Anna Konstam as Lou
- Reginald Tate as Collins
- Greta Gynt as Marjorie
- Ronald Adam as Murbridge / Wills
- Edward Lexy as Inspector Cardby
- Ian McLean as Saunders
- Henry Caine as Selford
- George Relph as Manners
- Toni Edgar-Bruce as Mrs. Herbert
- Torin Thatcher as Burton
- William Hartnell as minor role
Reception
Kine Weekly wrote: "The direction is as competent as the acting, no grass is allowed to grow under the story; it works smoothly and excitingly to its spectacular climax. Secret passages mysterious radio stations, aeroplanes, sinister hideouts, death by electrocution, and attempt at a death by arson are but the most easily remembered paraphernalia and phases of the eventful and hair-raising entertainment."[3]
Picture Show wrote: "Thoroughly entertaining crook melodrama ... The film is crisply directed, and is full of interesting touches. The climax is really thrilling and somewhat horrifying. Excellent acting by a well-chosen cast gets the most from the situations and neat dialogue."[4]
References
- "Too Dangerous to Live". British Film Institute Collections Search. Retrieved 16 October 2024.
- "BFI | Film & TV Database | Too Dangerous to Live (1939)". BFI. Archived from the original on 5 February 2009. Retrieved 11 June 2026.
- "Too Dangerous to Live". Kine Weekly. 265 (1667): 20. 30 March 1939. ProQuest 2339725423.
- "Too Dangerous to Live". Picture Show. 41 (1060): 19. 19 August 1939. ProQuest 1880288875.