Mantrap

Debonair actor Paul Henreid gives an offbeat performance as an ex-military intelligence officer turned dilettante amateur detective in this exciting, early '50s crimer based on Elleston Trevor's best-selling novel. Directed with verve by Terence Fisher and showcasing Lois Maxwell as a woman on the edge, Mantrap has been painstakingly restored by Hammer in 4K from the original film negatives. Lawyer Hugo Bishop is shocked when an old friend asks him to track down an escaped murderer and prove the man's innocence. With a police dragnet closing in and the escapee's wife in a state of distress, Bishop must use all his cunning to find the real murderer and clear the man's name.Extras: New commentary with Film Noir UK co-director James Harrison and film/TV historian and podcaster Sergio Angelini. New commentary with cult movie expert Toby Roan and Cereal at Midnight podcaster Heath Holland. Film Noir experts Imogen Sara Smith and Sergio Angelini, along with Hammer scholar Wayne Kinsey, discuss Hammer's Brit Noir output and its relationship with pure American Noir. What's in a Name: Writers Martin Edwards, Mike Ripley and Barry Forshaw profile author Elleston Trevor, on whose Queen in Danger book Mantrap is based. Caught in the Act: A handsome leading man during the silent film era, John Stuart latterly appeared in several Hammer films in supporting roles. Jonathan Croall, Stuart's son, discusses his father and his work. Hammer expert Wayne Kinsey joins Dark Corners Reviews' Robin Bailes for a tour of Mantrap's London locations. Len Harris interview: an audio interview with the Hammer crew mainstay, recorded in 1991 by the BEHP. Len Harris Behind-the-Scenes Footage: candid, mute 8mm footage taken at Bray during the shooting of Mantrap. A gallery of stills and publicity material alongside tracks from Doreen Carwithen’s score. The booklet features: Article by Hammer expert Wayne Kinsey examining the making of this classy adaptation. New article by Miriam Balanescu, who examines how crime became a key narrative driver in British films of the post-war period. New article by Pamela Hutchinson on Kay Kendall, an accomplished actor and comedian. New article by Neil Sinyard, who shines a light on the strange career path of producer Alexander Paal. New article by Sarah Morgan, who profiles Paul Henreid – a great actor with a strong set of principles. New article by Sergio Angelini, who explores the literary origins of chess-loving amateur sleuth Hugo Bishop and his adventures on radio.  Reproduction production paperwork.