The Intruder – 1953 | 84 mins | Drama | B&W

Plot Synopsis

After returning from a golf match, an ex-Tank Corps Colonel now a stockbroker, discovers an armed burglar in his home. He quickly recognises him as a heroic private from his unit which fought in France during WWII. They then reminisce about their years in the army – but the intruder runs away when he thinks the police have been phoned. The stockbroker determines to trace him to give help and seeks out other former unit members in his hunt. Other wartime memories then surface…

Ponderous WWII flashbacks, and there are plenty of them, don’t help this indifferent drama. However it’s sparked by a typically good central performance from the reliable Jack Hawkins and some effective supporting portrayals. Guy Hamilton directs proficiently, though somewhat coldly and without much sparkle. The script, by Robin Maugham, John Hunter and Anthony Squire is somewhat disjointed and moves in fits and starts. Occasionally amongst the interminable army sequences there’s the odd interesting post-war scene, but these are few and far between.

A disappointingly lumpy and indigestible tale that just doesn’t hang together well.

Review by Andy Coleby.