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Creativity and the 'B' feature: Terence Fisher's crime films

Spicer, Andrew H.

Authors



Abstract

This article explores the neglected area of the B Feature, produced by small companies on very tight budgets. It explores how it is possible to be creative in these constrained circumstances by concentrating on the crime film directed by Terence Fisher in the late 1940s and the 1950s. These preceded the horror films ('Frankenstein', 1957 >)for which he is famous and which have been endlessly discussed. His crime films have had little or no attention and yet they reveal a clever sensibility at work, able to explore character and displaying a developed visual style. They reveal unexpectedly subtle performances by unsung actors, notably Eleanor Summerfield.

Citation

Spicer, A. H. (2006). Creativity and the 'B' feature: Terence Fisher's crime films. Film Criticism, 30(2), 185-207

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Jan 1, 2006
Journal Film Criticism
Print ISSN 0163-5069
Publisher Michigan Publishing
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 30
Issue 2
Pages 185-207
Keywords creativity, 'B feature', Terence Fisher, crime films
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/1045423
Publisher URL http://filmcriticism.allegheny.edu/index.htm
Additional Information Additional Information : contains illustrations taken from the films