The Large Rope

The past proves hard to shake off when a former convict returns to his home village still protesting his innocence in this British second-feature drama. Regular supporting stalwart Donald Houston gets the lead here, glowering effectively in the face of a decidedly chilly reception. The screenplay by prolific film and TV mainstay Ted Willis has few surprises on offer as another crime is committed. However, the picture postcard Buckinghamshire settings play against the seething animosity from surly locals in no mood to forgive, forget or even assist the police. It's all in stark contrast to the cheery community spirit familiar from the era's Ealing films. German-born director Wolf Rilla often brought an outsider's eye to his journeyman assignments, and though the film is modest in impact, it offers a fascinating snapshot of post-war attitudes.