Man Bait is a British crime thriller that revolves around a dangerous blackmail scheme gone wrong. The story follows John Harman, a respectable bookstore owner, who finds himself ensnared by a scheming femme fatale, Ruby Bruce. When Ruby and her criminal associate attempt to extort him, a violent turn of events leads to murder. As the police close in, the tension mounts, and Harman must fight to clear his name before it’s too late.
Genre: Crime / Film Noir / Thriller
Director: Terence Fisher
Terence Fisher was a British filmmaker best known for his later work in the horror genre, particularly with Hammer Films. Though he became famous for gothic horror classics such as Dracula (1958) and The Curse of Frankenstein (1957), Fisher’s early career included several crime thrillers, including Man Bait. His ability to build suspense and create dark, atmospheric settings made him a natural fit for noir-inspired storytelling.
Star Cast:
- George Brent as John Harman, the bookstore owner caught in a web of deception
- Marguerite Chapman as Stella, a woman who becomes entangled in the case
- Diana Dors as Ruby Bruce, the seductive and manipulative blackmailer
- Peter Reynolds as Jeff Hart, Ruby’s dangerous accomplice
- Raymond Huntley as Inspector Willis, the detective determined to uncover the truth
Man Bait was well-received as a solid crime thriller, particularly for its suspenseful pacing and Diana Dors’ captivating performance as the femme fatale. While not as well-known as some American noir films, it has since been appreciated by fans of British crime cinema. George Brent, an established Hollywood actor, added a level of prestige to the film, making it a notable entry in early 1950s British noir.
Fun Facts:
- The film was originally titled The Last Page in the UK but was renamed Man Bait for its American release to appeal to noir audiences.
- Diana Dors, who played Ruby, was often compared to Marilyn Monroe and later became one of Britain’s most famous actresses.
- The movie was one of Terence Fisher’s early crime dramas before he transitioned into horror, where he gained international fame.
- The setting of a bookstore was unusual for a noir thriller, adding a unique backdrop to the story’s crime and deception.
- George Brent was a Hollywood veteran who had starred in numerous films alongside Bette Davis and other leading ladies of the 1930s and 1940s.
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