THE GELIGNITE GANG

Wayne Morris

THE GELIGNITE GANG (aka The Dynamiters/1956. Director: Francis Searle. 

In London a gang are committing robberies by using dynamite -- or gelignite, as it is known in the UK. The head of this gang is the mysterious "Mr. G." Jimmy Baxter (Wayne Morris) is an insurance investigator who decides to go after this gang, much to the consternation of his partner, John Rutherford (Patrick Holt), who thinks this is a dangerous business best left to the police. Jimmy and John share a secretary, Sally (Sandra Dorne), whom John is smitten with, although she prefers Jimmy. She decides to help Jimmy by investigating a pawn shop that may have something to do with the gang. Then there's young Chris Chapman (James Kenney), who works in a jewelry store that is robbed, has big gambling debts, and may also be involved in the gang. A club owner named Popoulos (Eric Pohlmann), who may be a bit on the shady side, offers some assistance after his head waiter is shot trying to get info to Jimmy. 

The Gelignite Gang is a gritty and fast-paced, if distinctly minor, crime drama with some effective performances, although Wayne Morris at times seems to have wandered in from a different movie. The identity of "Mr. G" will not be much of a surprise to most viewers. 

Verdict: Unremarkable British B movie. **.