NEVER LET GO

Peter Sellers

NEVER LET GO (1960). Director: John Guillermin.

John Cummings (Richard Todd) is a cosmetics salesman with a wife and children who thinks he might have a chance to really make good now that he owns a car. Unfortunately, his new automobile is stolen by a gang headed by crooked car dealer Lionel Meadows (Peter Sellers). Inspector Thomas (Noel Willman of The Kiss of the Vampire) admits that he couldn't care less about John's car but is out for bigger fish -- bringing down Meadows once and for all will be a cap in his feather. Desperate for his car, and refusing to back down after so many miserable things have happened, including being fired, John infuriates his wife, Anne (Elizabeth Sellars), by going after Meadows and his dangerous gang on his own. Todd [The Hasty Heart] gives a tremendously good performance in this and he is matched by Peter Sellers in a straight dramatic role, playing a nasty character who crushes one underling's fingers and slaps around his girlfriend, Jackie (Carol White). Sellers only chews the scenery in a couple of spots, but is otherwise marvelous. Adam Faith plays Tommy, the unfortunate boy with the damaged hand., and Mervyn Johns [Edward, My Son] has a nice bit as the ill-fated old man, Alfie. It all leads to an exciting climactic battle between the two adversaries.

Verdict: Proof that great actors can do drama as well as comedy. ***.

THE KISS OF THE VAMPIRE

THE KISS OF THE VAMPIRE (1963). Director: Don Sharp.

Gerald (Edward de Souza of The Phantom of the Opera) and Marianne Harcourt (Jennifer Daniel) are traveling by motorcar in Europe, when they are forced to stop in an obscure village due to mechanical problems. At the inn they encounter the pleasant and dignified Dr. Ravna (Noel Willman) and the slightly manic Professor Zimmer (Clifford Evans of The Curse of the Werewolf), who not only gives them a warning about Ravna but about even staying in the village overnight. Ravna, along with his son Carl (Barry Warren) and daughter Sabena (Jacquie Wallis), is the head of a cult of vampires, and they've set their sights on initiating poor Marianne into the bloodsucking fold. Can Gerald put a stop to this dastardly plan with the help of Professor Zimmer? The Kiss of the Vampire badly needs the presence of Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing, and it simply lacks the usual Hammer panache, although the climax when hundreds of bats invade Ravna's castle is memorable. Don Sharp also directed Curse of the Fly.

Verdict: Ho hum Hammer horror film. **1/2.