| Little Red Monkey | |
| Director: | Ken Hughes |
| Producer: | Alec C. Snowden |
| Based On: | story by Eric Maschwitz |
| Starring: | Richard Conte Rona Anderson Russell Napier Sylva Langova |
| Music: | Trevor Duncan |
| Cinematography: | Josef Ambor |
| Editing: | Inman Hunter Geoffrey Muller |
| Studio: | Merton Park Studios |
| Runtime: | 71 minutes |
| Country: | United Kingdom |
| Language: | English |
Little Red Monkey (U.S. title: The Case of the Red Monkey) is a 1955 British thriller film directed by Ken Hughes and starring Richard Conte, Rona Anderson and Russell Napier.[1] The screenplay was by Hughes and James Eastwood, based on the 1953 BBC Television series of the same name written by Eric Maschwitz.[2]
Detectives from Scotland Yard investigate a series of murders of leading nuclear scientists, and are intrigued by strange reports received about the crimes.
The film was an international hit, and along with Confession (1955) proved a breakthrough for Anglo-Amalgamated. After its success the company began making more expensive productions, often hiring American stars for international appeal.[3] [4]
The film was made by Anglo-Amalgamated at Merton Park Studios, a co-production with Anglo Guild.[5] [6]
The Monthly Film Bulletin said: "Some efficient photography and editing eke out the meagre excitements".[7]
Variety wrote: “Like many British-produced pictures, it lacks American-type pace and is a routine entry in the program market. Conte portrays a U.S. State Dept. officer ... but displays little of the dash and ingenuity such a part calls for."[8]
In British Sound Films: The Studio Years 1928–1959 David Quinlan rated the film as “average” and wrote: “Conte and direction a cut above the rest in this moderately exciting thriller".[9]
The Radio Times Guide to Films gave the film 3/5 stars, writing: "Ken Hughes honed his skills as a director of thrillers working on the Scotland Yard B-movie series. Consequently, this quota quickie has a great deal more substance and style than many of its contemporaries. ... Hughes keeps the action on the boil, while Russell Napier and Rona Anderson are fine as a Scotland Yard detective and his niece."[10]