The Dark Tower (1943)

Director:

John Harlow

Writers:

Reginald Purdell (writer)
Brock Williams (writer)

Release Date:

18 October 1943 (UK)

Genre:

Drama | Thriller

Plot:

A struggling circus finds salvation in the form of an exciting new twist on their high-wire act.

Plot Keywords:

Bicycle | Roller Skating | Trapeze | High Wire Artist | Mind Control

Cast

Ben Lyon	...	Phil Danton
Anne Crawford	...	Mary
David Farrar	...	Tom Danton
Herbert Lom	...	Stephen Torg
Frederick Burtwell	...	Willie Wainwright
William Hartnell	...	Jim Towers
Josephine Wilson	...	Dora Shogun
Elsie Wagstaff	...	Eve Wainwright (as Elsie Wagstaffe)
J.H. Roberts	...	Dr. Wilson
Aubrey Mallalieu	...	Doctor

Runtime:

90 min

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound System)

Certification:

Sweden:15

Filming Locations:

Warner Brothers First National Studios, Teddington Studios, Teddington, Middlesex, England, UK

Company:

Warner Brothers-First National Productions

Trivia:

This film had its U. S. television premiere on Turner Classic Movies on 24 September 2007 during TCM's festival of films made by Warner Brothers at Teddington Studios in the UK.

Movie Connections:

Remake of The Man with Two Faces (1934)

A Dark Horse

Nothing else on TV so found myself watching The Dark Tower on TCM. I found myself drawn into this, despite what seems to be clichés (but really weren't when the film was made). Well worth watching.

As a Doctor Who fan from way back when, what a thrill to have the original Doctor, William Hartnell (billed as Bill Hartnell) playing Jim.

I won't recount the story, but I really liked the peripheral characters especially the "naysayer" Annie Oakley woman. Most of the circus stuff was faked but there were some real gems worth watching. There is a wonderful sequence with a "clown" tightrope walker which I defy you to find better -- I was riveted to his performance.

Put it on your list of things to watch.