Crossroads to Crime

Crossroads to Crime is a 1960 British crime film produced and directed by Gerry Anderson and distributed by Anglo-Amalgamated (AA). Starring Anthony Oliver, George Murcell, Miriam Karlin, David Graham and Ferdy Mayne, Crossroads to Crime is about a police constable who works undercover to bring down a gang of lorry hi-jackers. Made as a B movie by Anderson's production company AP Films (APF), which made children's puppet television series, it was APF's first film production as well as its first production with live actors. It was also the only film that Anderson directed. Nat Cohen and Stuart Levy of AA hired Anderson to make the film while he was struggling to find a distributor for Supercar and came to them seeking work. Made on a low budget of £16,250, the one-hour film was shot mostly on location between May and June 1960. Several of the cast and crew had been involved in earlier APF productions and would continue their association with Anderson; they included actor David Graham and the film's composer Barry Gray. APF's three co-directors – John Read, Reg Hill and Sylvia Thamm – served as cinematographer, art director and script supervisor. Released in late 1960, Crossroads to Crime was a commercial failure and the critical response has been largely negative. Although the film was described by one commentator as a competent "cops and robbers" thriller, criticism has been directed at its script, editing, set design and low production values. The film has been broadcast more than once on British TV since the end of its brief theatrical run. It was released on DVD in 2013. Plot While on the beat, Police Constable Don Ross (Anthony Oliver) discovers a gang of lorry hi-jackers operating from the back of a transport café. Gang members Diamond and Johnny (George Murcell and David Graham) drive away in a car with the café owner, Connie Williams (Miriam Karlin), held hostage in the back seat. Ross tries to stop the car by jumping onto its side but is thrown to the ground and suffers a head injury. Pretending to be innocent passers-by, Diamond and Johnny take Ross home. Williams is brought before the hi-jackers' affluent ringleader, Miles (Ferdy Mayne), who warns her not to betray them to the authorities.