Double or Quits (1938 film)
| Double or Quits | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Roy William Neill |
| Written by | Michael Barringer |
| Produced by | Irving Asher |
| Starring |
|
| Cinematography | Basil Emmott |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | Warner Brothers |
Release date |
|
Running time | 72 minutes |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
Double or Quits is a 1938 lost British crime film directed by Roy William Neill and starring Frank Fox, Patricia Medina and Hal Walters.[2] It was written by Michael Barringer and shot at Teddington Studios,[3] and was made as a quota quickie by the British subsidiary of Warner Brothers.[4]
Preservation status
The British Film Institute has classed Double or Quits as a lost film.[5] Its National Archive holds no ephemera, stills, film or video materials.[2]
Synopsis
A reporter on a transatlantic cruise ship is accused of theft. In attempting to clear his name he discovers a more serious conspiracy.
Cast
- Frank Fox as Bill Brooks / Scotty Tucker
- Patricia Medina as Caroline
- Hal Walters as Alf
- Ian Fleming as Sir Frederick Beal
- Gordon McLeod as School
- Jack Raine as Roland
- Philip Ray as Hepworth
- Charles Paton as Mr. Binks
- Mae Bacon as Mrs. Binks
Reception
The Monthly Film Bulletin wrote: "The film starts in too leisurely a fashion, and then hurries into its conclusion, giving the impression of being longer than it is. The minor parts are well acted – School, Beal and the comic steward Alf. Caroline might have been made more attractive and less snubbing. Frank Fox works hard all through as Bill."[6]
Kine Weekly wrote: "Frank Fox works hard in the dual roles of Bill and Scotty Tucker. Patricia Medina is a pretty Caroline and Gordon McLeod, Ian Fleming and Jack Raine are competent in straight supporting roles. Comedy relief is in the safe hands of Hal Walters. There are times when the plot is a trifle involved, but in spite of its many strings, fundamentals are clearly established. Momentum is keen, surprise is frequent and the character drawing convincing. A British gangster melodrama, it is a first-rate copy of the real thing."[7]
The Daily Film Renter wrote: "Suspenseful narrative told with plenty of action, with Cockney humour providing lighter relief. Good popular fare. ...The plot contains strong suspense values born of the projected theft and also sundry plans for double-crossing. There is a slight romantic interest between the reporter and the girl, whose uncle is implicated in the scheme. Frank Fox has the dual role of the reporter and gangster, and plays the respective parts with virility. Patricia Medina is pleasant as the girl, while Hal Walters is entertaining as the cockney steward."[8]
Picturegoer wrote: "Frank Fox is fair as the hero. Patricia Medina is pretty as the heroine. Competent support is given by Gordon McLeod, Ian Fleming, Jack Raine. Hal Walters supplies the comedy relief."[9]
Picture Show wrote: "Frank Fox does well in the dual role and is given competent support. While the film is not altogether clear, it is well directed."[1]
References
- ^ a b "Double or Quits". Picture Show. 39 (1): 19. 1 October 1938. ProQuest 1880309511.
- ^ a b "Double or Quits". British Film Institute Collections Search. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
- ^ Wood, Linda (1986). British Films, 1927–1939 (PDF). British Film Institute. p. 94. Archived from the original (PDF) on 16 October 2022.
- ^ Chibnall, Steve (2007). Quota Quickies: The Birth of the British 'B' Film. British Film Institute. p. 294. ISBN 978-1844571550.
- ^ Eyles, Allen; Meeker, David, eds. (1992). "Double or Quits". Missing Believed Lost: The Great British Film Search. British Film Institute. p. 87. ISBN 0851703062.
- ^ "Double or Quits". The Monthly Film Bulletin. 5 (49): 95. 1 January 1938. ProQuest 1305799198.
- ^ "Double or Quits". Kine Weekly. 253 (1615): 47. 31 March 1938. ProQuest 2339642328.
- ^ "Double or Quits". The Daily Film Renter (3427): 4. 29 March 1938. ProQuest 2826338599.
- ^ "Double or Quits". Picturegoer. 8: 20. 4 October 1938. ProQuest 1771125483.