I get why this wasn't a hit but time has been kind in part because we know now that Peter Sellers would not make many more dramatic performances, and Richard Todd became less of a star, and it was a very early appearance from Carol White.
It's a gripping crime tale, modest ambitions but made with terrific pace by John Guillermin. Sellers gets the most attention by Todd is excellent as a weakened, battered down man, a cosmestics salesman who is facing the sack, whose car is stolen by car thieves led by Sellers.
It turns out Todd has a tradition of quitting but in this one he's determined to guts it out. It's a brave performance by Todd, who plays a weak and hopeless person, although by the end end he grows a big dick and becomes a man by beating up Sellers.
Sellers is a terrifying, shouty villain, smacking around teen Adam Faith and Sellers' mistress Carol White, desperate for acceptance. I get audiences wanted to interpret it comically - but it's richer than that.
Jazzy score plus When Johnny Comes Marching Home over the credits. Fresh photography. Strong acting. I liked Todd's slimy work rival. The part of his wife is thankless - Elizabeth Sellers steps in.
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