Suspended Alibi

Suspended Alibi (U.S. title: Suspected Alibi) is a 1957 black and white British 'B' crime film directed by Alfred Shaughnessy and starring Patrick Holt, Honor Blackman and Lloyd Lamble. The film was produced by Robert Dunbar for Act Films Ltd.

Plot
Paul Pearson's alibi for seeing his mistress Diana is with his friend, but when this friend is found murdered, Pearson is arrested for the crime, condemned by his own alibi and sentenced to hang. Fortunately, his story is believed by Sandy Thorpe, a diligent crime reporter, who helps to fight Pearson's case.

Cast

 * Patrick Holt as Paul Pearson
 * Honor Blackman as Lynn Pearson
 * Valentine Dyall as Inspector Kayes
 * Naomi Chance as Diana
 * Lloyd Lamble as Waller
 * Andrew Keir as Sandy Thorpe
 * Frederick Piper as Mr. Beamster
 * Viola Lyel as Mrs. Beamster
 * Bryan Coleman as Bill Forrest
 * Wally Patch as Porter
 * Madoline Thomas as Granny
 * Edgar Wreford as Prison Chaplain
 * Brown Derby as Sergeant Roberts

Critical reception
The Monthly Film Bulletin wrote: "Coincidence is stretched almost to breaking point in this conventional murder story, although the film is partially redeemed by some serviceable characterisation and efficient acting."

Kine Weekly wrote: "It crowds thrills, punctuated by a popular heart interest, into its comvenient running time, yet ends on a happy note. Patrick Holt takes it on the chin gallantly as Paul, Honor Blackman and Naomi Chance score in contrast as Lynn and Diana, Lloyd Lamble is a nasty bit of work as Waller and Valentine Dyall impresses as a police inspector. Moreover, its backgrounds are constantly changing and dialogue is reduced to a minimum."

Britmovie called the film an "efficient thriller...undemanding yet fanciful b-movie crime drama crisply directed by Alfred Shaughnessy";

TV Guide noted "an okay crime drama that passes the time pleasantly."

Film historians Steve Chibnall and Brian McFarlane praise it as "much faster, more frantically and densely plotted than most 'B' movies. The familiar race-against-the-clock to save the condemned man produces some well-sustained tension, and, if the ending is never in serious doubt, Shaughnessy's brisk storytelling and Robert Hill's editing sustain interest in the crowded narrative."