The Heart Within

The Heart Within is a 1957 British drama film directed by David Eady and starring James Hayter, Clifford Evans and David Hemmings. A Jamaican dockside worker goes on the run in London suspected of the murder of another Jamaican.

Cast

 * James Hayter as Grandfather Willard
 * Clifford Evans as Matthew Johnson
 * David Hemmings as Danny Willard
 * Earl Cameron as Victor Conway
 * Dan Jackson as Joe Martell
 * Jack Stewart as Inspector Matheson
 * Betty Cooper as Miss Trevor
 * Gloria Ann Simpson as Violet
 * Frank Singuineau as Bobo
 * Pauline Henriques as Ella
 * Janice Hughes as Dilli
 * Denton De Gray as Gow
 * Wally Thomas as sergeant
 * Glynn Edwards as 1st constable
 * Ivor Salter as 2nd constable
 * Frank Pettitt as 3rd constable
 * "The Kings of the Caribbean" steel band as musicians

Critical reception
The Monthly Film Bulletin wrote "With some good camerawork, a London docks setting, and cautious but not unenterprising use of its West Indian characters, this film has a more convincing air than most thrillers of its type. Unfortunately, the effect is somewhat handicapped by an over-melodramatic and stereotyped climax and by some indifferent playing. Earl Cameron and David Hemmings play agreeably, though, as the West Indian and the cockney boy who befriends him. Background music is effectively provided by a West Indian steel band."

In British Sound Films: The Studio Years 1928–1959 David Quinlan rated the film as "average", writing: "Variably acted, quite pleasing racial-problem thriller."

TV Guide wrote "Well-acted presentation of a man accused of murder because of the color of his skin...Intriguing effort given power mainly through the handling of the theme of prejudice."