Leofwine_draca THE MAN INSIDE is a decent British crime thriller with enough international locations to make it feel like an epic episode of THE SAINT. It was directed by John Gilling, a usually reliable director who helmed some of Hammer's most interesting offerings in the 1960s. Nigel Patrick is cast against type as the ruthless villain of the piece, a diamond thief who thinks nothing to committing murder to achieve his ends in the film's shocking opening sequence. The chase story that follows is periodically exciting and lifted by an exemplary cast including the likes of Sid James, Donald Pleasence and Anthony Newley. Anita Ekberg props up the scenery looking impossibly voluptuous as usual, and it's great fun to see Jack Palance playing something other than the heavy.

dougdoepke A detective pursues a stolen diamond and a voluptuous mystery woman.This is a curious production that had me puzzled until I read Zipper69's informative, if dismissive, review. In my view, he's a little too negative, but the movie remains a disappointment, mainly because of the odd casting. As an actor, Jack Palance may be many good things, but a dashing leading man he's not. Plus, his performance here remains just plain weird, the southern accent about as good as mine. I'm not sure what Palance is reaching for, but the director should have exercised better control. Then there's Ekberg, the mammary goddess, who's a first-rate model, but a third-rate actress, especially as a mystery woman. Between them, they distract heavily from the story itself. Nonetheless, the plot twists with the golf ball are cleverly inventive, along with the hectic park scene with the magician and the kids. There's also some good noirish photography, but that car trapping the man in the narrow alley was a crime drama cliché even in 1958. Nonetheless, with more appropriate casting and a more engaged director, the film did have real potential. Too bad, it remains a disappointing misfire.

1bilbo I suspect that this was a "B" movie of the day. We don't have "Second feature" movies any more, nowadays we are presented with one almighty production that revolves around a single famous actor and a host of special effects.This little offering is different, there is a host of really great actors and a lot of character development. Anthony Newley is great and fits his role so well. Palance seems to be not quite with it but I have noticed this in a few of his films, his Texan accent was a mistake.It was interesting to see the change in our leading lady after she had been beaten up. Even her ample top didn't seem to be bursting at the seams!Well worth a watch - if you can get it.

Paul Goodhead This is a modest British adventure thriller which was hoped would hit the world market at a time when this kind of picture was in vogue. A jewellers book keeper steals a priceless diamond and is trailed by various factions half across Europe. Interesting vehicle for Anthony Newley who was given a more meatier role than his usual light musical comedy roles as taxi driver Ernesto. The all star cast includes the very British Nigel Patrick, Sid James (before his Carry On days), and a guest appearance by Donald Pleasence. Palance and Ekberg gave this British movie the American market interest. Richard Bennett's brilliant theme is akin to The Harry Lime Theme from The Third Man. Written by John Gilling (later of Hammer film fame). A rare movie, not released on video nor seen on TV for many years. Paul Goodhead - President Anthony Newley Society Worldwide.