Time Without Pity

Joseph Losey's first film after being blacklisted is a potboiler about an alcoholic father (Michael Redgrave) racing against time to save his son from death row. I was amazed that it took him as long as did to figure out that the cackling, evil rich guy did, but then again, he was drunk most of the time. I expected more from Losey, who usually has richer material to work with.

Very good.

The superb performance from Redgrave is the highlight, with excellent cinematography a close second, but it's the supremely well crafted plotting and the unyielding sense of urgency that are the heart of the film. It's a messy plot that could easily be a disaster, but the execution turns it into an excellent portrait of desperation in various incarnations. No one digs their own hole, they just do what they can to get out guided by the mishmash of emotions that drive them to the edge of insanity.

Really was expecting more from Losey

Redgrave is a standout but nothing special here.