'Three Steps to the Gallows' (1953) – John Gilling.

When burly American sailor Gregor takes weekend shore leave, his initial itinerary of meeting up with his estranged brother Dave (John Blythe)is scuppered by forces malign, as he very soon discovers that his beleaguered brother currently languishes in a dank jail cell accused of first degree murder! Supremely talented Hammer Films Alumnus John 'Plague of the Zombies' Gilling has expertly crafted a durable, highly-burnished jewel of an audaciously full throttle Brit-Noir, as the splendidly pugnacious Gregor busily attempts to utilise his considerable pugilistic prowess to use in order to boisterously unravel the labyrinthine mystery of the recently stolen diamonds, but discovering the identity of the real murderer might, perhaps, be better suited to someone blessed with more guile and less brawn, as the altogether nefarious villains James Smith (Lloyd Lamble) and the especially duplicitous Sartago (Ferdy Mayne) seem to remain 3 steps ahead of the increasingly baffled Gregor, and as his poor brother steps ever closer to the darkly looming gallows stalwart writer/director John Gilling keeps this dazzling thriller motivating at a delirious pace right until the tremendously exciting, twist-laden climax!

It might just be argued that 'Three Steps to the Gallows' is one of the more immediately entertaining British film Noirs of the period, and the immersive narrative is given additional lustre by the luminous presence of Mary Castle as the vivacious Yvonne Durante, sultry nightclub chanteuse by night, and slinkily efficient contraband smuggler by day! High points for me include the delightfully convoluted plot and hunky Scott Brady certainly makes for an engaging, strikingly handsome, twin-fisted, justice-seeking lead!