Gideon of Scotland Yard

Fast paced by Ford's standards, especially in late career, Gideon is better understood as a product of its writers rather than its director, despite the insistence of auteurists to jam this large square peg into a small round hole. Ford's use of colour is captivating, and there are a few borderline surreal moments that belie the conventions of its rather routine detective plot.

59.500

Jack Hawkins makes this film and is superb as always - detecting the corrupt policeman is sometimes a bit pedestrian.

A late comic gem from Ford, this film works consistently from beginning to end. I appreciated the strong contrast between family and professional life, as it brings into contact two of Ford's most potent themes: the importance of family or community versus the darkness and suffering that exist in the world. That Ford achieves an enjoyable union between the two through comedy makes this film stand out among his later works. And the pacing is refreshingly brisk, a call back to his 30s work.