High Treason [DVD]

As a fan of 1950’s crime films, this was one I just had to add to my collection.Good plot, and excellent, notable actors of the time. Kenneth Griffith is marvellous as the mild-mannered radio shop owner, drawn into this web of intrigue by a group of subversives. A particular scene toward the end of the film depicts Morse code being sent and received. As an amateur radio operator for over fifty years, I was pleased to note that the Morse is completely correct, unlike some films, where characters sent bear no resemblance to what is intended!The scenes in Battersea Power station have a lot of atmosphere, but a faux-pas may have been included, when power to various regions around London are being shut off by the terrorists. One giant switch is labelled ‘Gravesend’. As this town is some 25 miles from Battersea, and well removed from the London area, it is unlikely to have been supplied from there. However, this aside, the unfolding plot, and the tension building throughout, has resulted in a good, entertaining drama!

Not only an excellent thriller, but also an intriguing view of post war London pre redevelopment.A product of its time for sure, but highly watchable nevertheless.Enjoy.

Yes, a film which grips me as much as it did when I first saw it in 70 odd years ago. It is unlikely that the industry (UK or US) could make such a film set in the present day. Either it would give people dangerous ideas or it would violate modern criteria of political correctness, diversity, etc. Or perhaps both.From the political historian's view, this film has an odd twist. In the 1950s the main threat from Communism in the UK came via the "working class" and specifically the trade unions (dockers, miners, railwaymen) who were quick to call strikes that damaged the economy. And yet in this film we see upper and middle class types, such as the clerk in the Ministry of Supply who betrays the secrets of an explosive shipment, and the slimy public school type type who plans to become leader as the result of a coup d'etat. The working class folk are portrayed as innocent victims, for example in the explosion at the docks and the armed attack on Battersea Power Station.The film itself is brilliant, but its political assumptions don't make much sense.

I have not seen this film before and being a movie buff, particularly where the golden oldies of British cinema is concerned, I was more than tempted to give this a try. The story concerns a plot by anarchists (presumably Communist agents) who are bent on bringing London to its knees by destroying Battersea Power Station, and the local Police and Security services who are fighting to prevent the disaster. The story is pacey, has many exciting moments, ending with a shoot out at the Power Station. One of the things I enjoyed about watching this film is "Spotting The Face." There are so many actors in this, some who were uncredited, who became household names in later years. Alfie Bass; Harry Fowler; Jean Anderson; Marianne Stone; and of course, the stars themselves, Anthony Bushell; Andre Morell; Liam Redmond and Joan Hickson, ably supported by Kenneth Griffth who played a leading role in this drama.Although it has a dated look, it is still very entertaining, and it is good to see London how it used to be years ago when the flow of traffic was much less, and overall, seemed less crowded. Worth a look.

I last watched this movie over thirty years ago and had fond memories of it. Seeing it again I was delighted to find that it far exceeded my already high expectation. High Treason is a worthy sequel to the better-known thriller Seven Days to Noon - and every bit as fun, with the entire cast revelling in their parts (John Bailey, Mary Morris and Cyril Conway especially good as eye-swivelling Communist fanatics, Liam Redmond an eccentric but compelling Special Branch Commander on the saboteurs' trail). The movie is fast-paced, exciting (though the outcome is never in doubt - this is 1951 and the good guys always win) and abounding in the period detail that makes the cinema of this era such a feast for the eyes.

Liked the fact that we knew who the traitor was and the ramping up of tension towards the end.. A bit of a disingenuous storyline of a "secret cell", but still good for its day.

In many ways an excellent thriller. Fine cast' Excellent production,sound quality and print highlighting perfect black & white photography. While unlike most anti Communist fims of this period.It is intelligent with good dialogue. However is sadly marred by a totally unreal,unbelievable 'Daily Mail'/'Express'/public school portrayal of Communists and the Communist Party. I know as my parents were both life long Party members. As I have been since 1958.A shame that the CP terrorists shown here were so untruthfully represented.More realistic 'villians' would have made a much better. And far more realistic film.

I don't give that many 5 stars but this 1951 Rank film directed by Roy Boulting deserves them. Fast paced and still perhaps strangely topical, the film tells how the Police and Secret Service Agencies foil a "Communist" plot to destroy Battersea Power Staion. Well cast with actors in roles unusual for most of them-Liam Redmond top billed as the Policeman in charge, Kenneth Griffith as a reluctant conspirator, Mary Morris, Joan Hickson in one of her best straight roles, and, I even saw Marianne Stone!! The plot and tension never really lets up and the climax is cleverly filmed. All in all 90' of pleasure. An excellent B/W 4.3 Print, and a fair price all help. Highly recomended.