The Man in the Back Seat (1961)

The Man in the Back Seat (1961). The Man in the Back Seat: Directed by Vernon Sewell. With Derren Nesbitt, Keith Faulkner, Carol White, Harry Locke. Two young thugs rob a bookie leaving a dog-racing track with his winnings, but when they grab his case full of money they discover that he has chained it to his wrist. They dash around town trying to find a way to separate the case from the wrist of the bookie, who the pair has by now beaten so badly he appears to be dead. They finally come up with what they think is a foolproof plan, but soon something happens that they weren't quite expecting.

“First rate little thriller by veteran director Sewell, who could be very good when he tried. Two crooks rob a bookie at a dog track and are stuck putting his body in the back seat. Every time they try to get rid of him, fate intervenes and theyu0026#39;re back in the car with him. Derren Nesbitt is especially good as the more callous of the two. Good script, crisp black and white photography, taut direction. Good work all around. This is a fine addition to British film noir and should be included with others in that genre. And perhaps a re-appreciation of Sewell is in order. Itu0026#39;s too bad this isnu0026#39;t out on DVD yet. Those who think Hitchcock was the only one who could use confined spaces well should check this out.”