Based on Aldo Ray's fine performance in "The Day They Robbed the Bank of England" as both the brains and the muscles behind the Irish movements attempt at independence by literally breaking into the Queens bank and robbing her of their gold bullion, this black and white film could have been the impetus for the latter 1966 TV series Mission Impossible.
The film starts off a bit slow as we get to know the two main characters, the Irish American Charles Norgate (Aldo Ray) and Captain Monty Finch (Peter O'Toole) who is more than just a tad bit bored of being responsible for protecting the heavily secured vault of the Bank of England.
As the movie progresses Aldo Ray shines brighter and brighter in his lead role which in my personal opinion should have lead to his serious consideration for the lead role in the very first James Bond film, 1962's Dr. No. Aldo Ray would have been 36 years of age when Dr. No was realeased and his physical presence, burly build, steely caged eyes and sharp wit would have made him perefectly cast to play James Bond. Peter O'Toole could also have been considered to play James Bond advanced contraption expert sidekick "M".
But I digress, this 1960 black and white crime/action/suspense film may have been a low budget production but what it lacks in big budget releases such as Ben Hur, it more than makes up with fine acting, and a story line that begs that the underdog Charles Norgate (Aldo Ray) make good on his bank robbery.
I enjoyed the film immensely and I will be sure to add it as a "keeper" in my personal film library. I give this film an appreciative 8 out of 10 rating.
The film starts off a bit slow as we get to know the two main characters, the Irish American Charles Norgate (Aldo Ray) and Captain Monty Finch (Peter O'Toole) who is more than just a tad bit bored of being responsible for protecting the heavily secured vault of the Bank of England.
As the movie progresses Aldo Ray shines brighter and brighter in his lead role which in my personal opinion should have lead to his serious consideration for the lead role in the very first James Bond film, 1962's Dr. No. Aldo Ray would have been 36 years of age when Dr. No was realeased and his physical presence, burly build, steely caged eyes and sharp wit would have made him perefectly cast to play James Bond. Peter O'Toole could also have been considered to play James Bond advanced contraption expert sidekick "M".
But I digress, this 1960 black and white crime/action/suspense film may have been a low budget production but what it lacks in big budget releases such as Ben Hur, it more than makes up with fine acting, and a story line that begs that the underdog Charles Norgate (Aldo Ray) make good on his bank robbery.
I enjoyed the film immensely and I will be sure to add it as a "keeper" in my personal film library. I give this film an appreciative 8 out of 10 rating.