River Beat – 1954 | 70 mins | Thriller, Crime | B&W

Plot Synopsis

Above-average second feature with well-paced direction from former cinematographer Guy Green making his debut feature here. Hollywood actress Phyllis Kirk adds a touch of glamour to proceedings and the intelligent use of gritty London locations adds a pinch of realism

Police detectives Dan Barker (John Bentley) and Mack McLeod (Leonard White) patrol the River Thames in a launch and during the course of their duties observes an attractive female aboard the recently docked US freighter Mohawk Prince. Coincidentally, later that day they meet the anonymous female in a London pub and she reveals herself as the Mohawk Prince radio operator Judy Roberts (Phyllis Kirk), and the married Mack takes the hint and leaves his unmarried partner to become more acquainted with the pretty American visitor.

Unbeknownst to Judy, she is the unwitting dupe of a gem-smuggling racket and is carrying diamonds through customs in cigarette packets. Custom officers eventually become suspicious and after searching Judy’s bag discover the diamonds. Judy is arrested, and her plight worsens when the dead body of the ship’s steward who gave her the diamonds is fished from the Thames, but Dan has fallen in love with her and that she be released in the hope she’ll lead them to the criminal mastermind. In due course the police track down the Mr Big and a river chase ensues with an unconscious Judy in the crooks boat.