Cash on Demand

This film is unbelievably riveting from start to finish. I first saw this film in the late sixties and never forgot this compelling tale of sheer suspense.It is rare indeed for a film with just two principal characters to sustain a film with sheer psychological terror. I'd say don't miss! (albeit, sadly, a little seen movie).

Well written and tight little film with a fine performance from Peter Cushing and an even better one from Andre Morell. The former plays a Scrooge like, petty minded Bank Manager (very reminiscent of many that I encountered in my banking career!) and the latter the smooth talking and rather endearing robber. It is snowing outside and by the door is a Santa ringing his bell. With the mean natured manager, the gentleman thief and the allusions to Christmas, it is clear the shadow of Dickens hovers. As well as the crisp and effective dialogue there are just enough little incidents to maintain a certain level of tension and keep this afloat despite the absence of any sensational moments. Clever and measured with excellent performances from all the support actors, this just lacks a bit of spark.

Quentin Lawrence directed this good crime thriller that stars Peter Cushing as Harry Fordyce, a bank manager who is introduced to an insurance investigator named Hepburn(played by Andre Morel) on the 23 of December. Ostensibly there to check security, he is really a ruthless and cunning thief who has an elaborate plan to rob the bank, and needs Fordyce's cooperation to pull it off, so convinces him that he holds his family hostage, and will have them murdered by his associates if he doesn't signal to them his agreeing to help. Fordyce decides to cooperate, all the while trying to find a way out... Fine film with two stellar performances, especially Cushing, who proves that he can act quite well outside the horror genre he was best known for.

This delightful little low-budget film is one of Hammer's least-known efforts and also one of their best. The story is a reworking of "A Christmas Carol", as Peter Cushing's bank manager, a cold and austere man, and a petty tyrant to his staff, goes through a terrible experience which leads him to change his ways. Cushing is quite superb as the manager and Andre Morell almost as good as the urbane thief who controls events until the denouement. The plot twists and turns and the writing is first-class.