DATE WITH DISASTER

Tom Drake and Maurice Kaufmann

DATE WITH DISASTER (1957). Director: Charles Saunders. 

American Miles Harrington (Tom Drake) is in a car dealership business with his English partner, Don Redmon (Maurice Kaufmann). Don dates pretty Sue Miller (Shirley Eaton), whose sister was once involved with MIles, whom Sue is now carrying a torch for. Unbeknownst to Miles, both Don and his sales manager Ken Prescott (Richard Shaw) are planning a robbery of Wells Chemicals Company with the help of convict Tracey (William Hartnell). When the caper proceeds and thieves fall out, Miles finds himself having to rescue a kidnapped Sue from one of the men he formerly trusted. 

Shirley Eaton and Richard Shaw

Date with Disaster sounds like it might be exciting, but it's a minor picture that at least moves at a fast enough pace. Tom Drake was typical of American actors who sought work in the UK where they found themselves headlining films in a way they would not have in the U.S. His role is the least interesting of the bunch, with the other cast members offering flavorful performances of the assorted bad guys, and Eaton showing off her assets in comely and efficient fashion. Michael Golden is also fine as Detective Inspector Matthews, who has been assigned to the robbery and tries to get Tracey to turn. Deirdre de Peyer has a saucy bit as Prescott's greedy and jealous girlfriend. 

Verdict: Another forgettable British B movie. **.