Don't Bother to Knock
Don't Bother to Knock

Movie spotlight

Don't Bother to Knock

1961
Movie
89 min
English

An Edinburgh travel agent loses his keys and his fiancé in one night. A friend finds the keys and makes loads of copies with his address attached as a joke. She gives them to him as he leaves for a holiday. He gives the keys to several women he romances across the continent. He gets engaged again by phone and arranges to meet his fiancé at his flat, but the flat isn't empty...

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Director: Don TaylorGenres: Crime, Drama, Film-Noir

Plot Summary

A distraught woman, abandoned by her lover, kidnaps a wealthy businessman's son to ensure her escape from the country. She holds the boy and his terrified nanny hostage in their opulent penthouse apartment. As the hours tick by, the volatile situation escalates, revealing the woman's desperate state and the potential for tragedy.

Critical Reception

Don't Bother to Knock received a mixed reception upon its release. While some critics praised its suspenseful atmosphere and the performances of its lead actors, others found the plot somewhat predictable and the characters underdeveloped. Over time, it has gained a cult following among fans of film noir.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its taut suspense and noir atmosphere.

  • Criticized for a somewhat implausible storyline and lack of character depth.

  • Offers a compelling performance from its troubled female lead.

Google audience: Audience reception for 'Don't Bother to Knock' is largely absent from public records, making it difficult to summarize specific likes or dislikes from Google users.

Awards & Accolades

None notable.

Fun Fact

The film was shot in black and white, a common characteristic of film noir, which enhanced its dramatic and shadowy aesthetic.

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