The Traitor | |
Director: | Michael McCarthy |
Producer: | Edwin J. Fancey |
Starring: | Donald Wolfit Robert Bray Jane Griffiths Anton Diffring |
Music: | Jackie Brown |
Cinematography: | Bert Mason |
Editing: | Monica Kimick |
Studio: | Fantur Films |
Distributor: | New Realm Entertainment |
Runtime: | 88 minutes |
Country: | United Kingdom |
Language: | English |
The Traitor (also known as The Accused) is a 1957 British drama film directed by Michael McCarthy and starring Donald Wolfit, Robert Bray, Jane Griffiths and Anton Diffring.[1] [2]
A former resistance fighter tries to discover the traitor who has betrayed his colleagues in the German resistance during the Second World War.
The film's title music, "Prelude Without A Name", and incidental music were written and conducted by Jackie Brown. The solo pianist was Dennis Wilson.
The Monthly Film Bulletin wrote: "Although there are some good ideas in the plot, the script of this film seems more suited to radio than to cinema, since it consists for the most part of a series of conversational set pieces. The director has made praiseworthy efforts to overcome this defect; but has not quite succeeded. Robert Bray's truculent American major is quite unconvincing; for the rest the cast is uninspired but adequate."[3]
Kine Weekly wrote: "The director handles the plot intelligently and convincing atmosphere is created. Resourceful camerawork and an original musical score, strengthened by a new concerto, heighten dramatic impact."[4]
Sky Movies wrote, "The specially written musical piece, Prelude, which has a vital part to play in the plot's unfolding, is hauntingly appealing. But too much talk tends to spoil the script's surprises."[5]
The Radio Times noted, "Nuance was not Donald Wolfit's strong suit, but he had presence and power in spades. He totally dominates this story with a bluster and conviction that keeps an uninspiring tale of the hunt for a Second World War traitor from falling flat on its face."[6]
TV Guide concluded, "This is an offbeat espionage whodunit with some nervy moments."[7]