The Frightened Man

The Frightened Man, also known as Rosselli and Son, is a 1952 British second feature crime film directed by John Gilling and starring Dermot Walsh, Barbara Murray and Charles Victor. An antiques dealer suffers a dramatic fall from grace.

Plot
Antiques dealer Roselli's dreams for his son Julius are disappointed when the young man is sent down from Oxford University for bad behaviour. Julius then gets involved with a gang of Camden Town jewel thieves. When they attempt to rob a warehouse Julius is injured in the getaway, but he continues his involvement and formulates a plan to steal diamonds from his wife’s employer in Hatton Garden. The gang leader agrees, but intends to cut out Roselli senior who, unknown to Julius, is a partner in the gang.

Cast

 * Dermot Walsh as Julius Roselli
 * Barbara Murray as Amanda
 * Charles Victor as Mr Roselli
 * John Blythe as Maxie
 * Michael Ward as Cornelius Hart
 * Thora Hird as Vera
 * John Horsley as Harry Armstrong
 * Annette D. Simmonds as Marcella
 * Martin Benson as Alec Stone
 * Ballard Berkeley as Inspector Bligh
 * Peter Bayliss as Bilton
 * Thomas Gallagher as Matthews

Production
It was shot at Twickenham and Riverside Studios.

Critical reception
The Monthly Film Bulletin wrote: "A well constructed thriller: efficient performances, particularly from Charles Victor, and adequate suspense."

TV Guide wrote: "this decent crime drama was written and directed by John Gilling, known for his efficient low-budget adventures and thrillers."

Britmovie called the film a "decent if unremarkable second-feature crime drama featuring Irish actor Dermot Walsh ... Walsh's father is played by experienced character actor Charles Victor, who performs his role with quiet, self-effacing distinction."

Film historians Steve Chibnall and Brian McFarlane note that "the film won considerable praise for being authentically staged, effectively directed, 'thrilling and human'."