The Steel Key (1953)
1h 9m | PG-13
An adventurer investigates the theft of a formula for hardened steel, assisted by his girlfriend.
Director: Robert S. Baker
Studio: Tempean Films
Genre: Drama, Thriller
Video: 720p
Cast
Terence Morgan
as Johnny O'Flynn
Joan Rice
as Doreen Wilson
Raymond Lovell
as Inspector Forsythe
Dianne Foster
as Sylvia Newman
Colin Tapley
as Dr. Crabtree
Esmond Knight
as Prof. Newman
Reviews
Terence Morgan has a bit of a glint in his eye here as "Johnny", a bit of an opportunist who finds himself embroiled in a plot to abduct a professor (Esmond Knight) and pinch his formula for hardened steel that could revolutionise production and durability. Together with his charming - and quite wily - girlfriend "Doreen" (Joan Rice) they have to thwart these would be thieves and save the boffin whilst convincing Scotland Yard's finest "Insp. Forsythe" (Raymond Lovell) that they are on the level too! It's quite a lively affair and the sort of roguish, but honourable, antics of the star really did remind me of a "Simon Templar" type of character. It's all pretty predicable fayre, but there are a few fun cameos from amongst the supporting cast and it whizzes along fine for an hour. You'll never remember it afterwards, but it's perfectly watchable on a wet afternoon.