Concerning Mr. Martin is a 1937 British thriller film directed by Roy Kellino and starring Wilson Barrett, William Devlin and Marjorie Peacock. It was written by Ernest Dudley and Richard Llewellyn, and made at Teddington Studios as a quota quickie.
Contents
Plot
Gentleman crook Leo Martin hears that young Robin Cavanagh is losing heavily at the gaming tables run by the unscrupulous night-club owner Gartell. Taking pity on Cavanagh he schemes to get his debt paid by Gartell, and frames Gartell for a robbery which he committed himself. He meets and is attracted to Gloria, singer at the club, but he decides to remain a lone wolf.
Cast
Wilson Barrett as Leo Martin
William Devlin as Gartell
Lionel Montgomery as Foo
Marjorie Peacock as Gloria
Derek Williams as Robin Cavanagh
Madge Somers as Mary
Herbert Cameron as detective
Billy Wells as commissionaire
Peter Popp as elderly man
André Sterlini
Paul Sheridan as croupier
Critical reception
Kine Weekly wrote: "There is more talk than action, but the pace is reasonably smooth, and the quality of suspense is not ignored. Competent acting on the part of the principals is the film's standby. ...The theme of this crime drama has some claim to ingenuity, and the technical qualities are a little more polished than usual, but there are moments when precious dialogue gets the upper hand, and others when the inexperienced supporting players let the detail down."
The Daily Film Renter wrote: "Put over mainly in terms of dialogue, the story lacks action, while there is no overplus of incident, two major drawbacks to any film. There is, however, a fair degree, of interest in the climax, when one crook puts the other to rout. Night-club and gambling den settings are well staged, and a tuneful song number introduced at one point, even though it may not contribute much to the dramatic values."
Picture Show wrote: "This film is well above the usual run of quota pictures. It is quite an ingenious story of crook versus crook – in this case, a gentleman thief pitting his wits against a crooked night-club owner who cheats a youngster of a large sum of money. Wilson Barrett gives an efficient performance in the leading role of the thief (who does not reform in the last reel), and is quite well supported. Settings and direction are good."