Leofwine_draca As some other reviewers have mentioned, THREE STEPS TO THE GALLOWS is a highly superior British film noir which doesn't let up from beginning to end. A twisty turny mystery style plot line throws up some familiar tropes - it seems half of British crime films made during the 1950s consisted of criminal enterprises utilising nightclubs as their lairs - but runs away with them thanks to a fast pacing and a complete refusal to deviate from the thriller aspects of the storyline.American actor Scott Brady plays a sailor who gets some shore leave to visit his brother, only to discover that he's disappeared. He soon uncovers a sinister, conspiracy-style mystery that will lead to his brother's imminent execution, so it's a race against time to prove his innocence. Along the way he tangles with femme fatales, dogged detectives, and various henchmen, often slugging it out with the latter in some engaging fight scenes.Brady is a slightly boring main actor but the supporting cast make up for deficiencies, with Ferdy Mayne and Michael Balfour on particularly strong form. Ballard Berkeley plays a cop and must have been one of the most typecast actors of the era. Director John Gilling, who would later direct the likes of THE REPTILE for Hammer, does a sterling job, but the real star here is Welshman Paul Erickson, whose debut script is never less than compelling.

malcolmgsw What starts out as a fairly straightforward thriller seems to become more and more complex as the film wears on.This is born out by the fact that at the end one of the characters had actually to explain the whys and wherefores,by which time I had,as you might say,lost the plot.To me though the most interesting aspect of this film was the considerable amount of location work.The trade fair at Olympia.Some of the crowd seemed quite irritated at being pushed around by the actors ,it makes you wonder if they knew that they were being filmed.Interesting to see that the first shots of the trade fair were on the film projector stands.Those dear machines which went extinct as long ago as 2012.So basically a fairly routine film.

Alex da Silva Gregor Stevens (Scott Brady) has 4 days shore leave. He goes to visit his brother but cannot find him. A meeting with Yvonne (Mary Castle), a boxing fan (Michael Balfour) and a visit to the "Gay Mask" nightclub give him an avenue to pursue in the circumstances that are unfolding before him. Gregor must solve the mystery before he goes back to his ship.........and, more importantly, before a hanging takes place.....It's a fast-paced film that gets going from the beginning. It's well acted by all and has many twists to the plot. It is just on the right side of complicated. Its a good film to keep onto and watch again.

grafxman Scott Brady plays a ship's officer. He arrives in England and gets another officer to take his duties for a few days. He wants to spend some time with his brother. He discovers his brother is about to be hanged! Scott Brady then launches his own investigation.This flick has more twists and turns than a mud road in West Virginia!The hero is lied to, thumped on, set up, betrayed, etc.He also falls in love. This is one terrific flick.I gave it a ten.