THE MAN WHO FINALLY DIED

UK, 100 minutes, Black and white.
Stanley Baker, Philip Cushing, Mai Zetterling, Eric Portman, Niall MacGinnis?, Nigel Green, Barbara Everest, Harold Scott.
Directed by Quentin Lawrence.

The Man Who Finally Died is an entertaining, British thriller of the early 60s. It is a story of espionage, politics, mystery. Stanley Baker is, as always, a touch hero. There are interesting character portrayals by Peter Cushing, Eric Port-an and Niall MacGinnis?. Mai Zetterling has an ambiguous central role. The film is much the material of television series - but is interesting nonetheless.

1. An entertaining British thriller? War Two mystery?

2. Black and white photography?

3. The title and the focus on Joe's father?

4. European settings? Post-World? European locations? musical score?

5. The irony of his identity? The old man at the end of the film? Resolution of the plot?

6. Joe Newman and his German background, his living in Britain, the information coming from Konigsbaden? His journey to Bavaria? His seeking his father? His getting information from the locals? His father escaping from the iron Curtain? His being in the home of Dr von Brecht? His marriage to Lisa? His death just before Joe's arrival? Joe's suspicions? His visit to the house? Encounters with von Brecht? The evidence that he collected? His encounters with inspector Hofmeister? With Brenner? Growing suspicion? His breaking into the house?

7. The discovery of the old man? The old man being a famous scientist? The kidnap plot for him to be taken back to the East? The resolution with Joe rescuing the man, the clash with Brenner? The background to Joe's stay, the conversations with Brenner and his seeming sympathy? Maria and her refugee background, her help?

8. Dr von Brecht and Peter Cushing's style, the sinister overtones? His reactions to Joe? Being protected? Audience suspicions? The revelation of his being part of the plot to save the old Tan?

9. Lisa as potential heroine? The mystery of her marriage to Joe's father? His growing suspicions, her involvement? The revelation of the cover-up to protect the scientist?

10. Inspector Hofneister and his control in the town, his not helping Joe, putting obstacles in his path, becoming an object of suspicion? His involvement in saving the Professor?

11. Brenner and his insurance background, presence in the town, friendship with Joe? The discovery of the truth about him? The fight and the rescue of the Professor?

12. The background of the people in the house - Martha and her looking after the Professor? The Professor and his being hidden away? His identity? His being substituted for Joe's father?

13. The background of the town, the people at the hotel, police, Maria and her help?

14. Popular ingredients for a mystery espionage thriller? Audience interest, involvement?