1955 British crime film by John Gilling
Tiger by the Tail (U.S. title: Cross-Up; also known as CrossUp) is a 1955 British second feature ('B') crime thriller film directed by John Gilling and starring Larry Parks, Constance Smith, Lisa Daniely and Donald Stewart. The screenplay was by Gilling and Willis Goldbeck, adapted from the 1942 novel "Never Come Back" by John Mair.
Plot.
An American journalist works to expose a criminal gang in London. However, his investigation of their counterfeiting activities leads to his kidnapping by the gang.
Production.
The film was shot at Walton Studios and on location around London.
Larry Parks had fallen foul of America's House Un-American Activities Committee, and had his first film role for four years starring in this film.
Critical reception.
"The Monthly Film Bulletin" wrote: "An average British crime thriller, involving an American hero in the familiar rigmarole of gangs, kidnappings and escapes. Unimaginatively, though quite capably directed, the film seems rather a waste of the talents of its leading players."
"The Radio Times Guide to Films" gave the film 1/5 stars, writing: "Another trudge through the lowest depths of British movie-making, in the company of quota quickie specialist John Gilling. Larry Parks stars in this, one of his British movies, made after he was driven out of Hollywood at the height of his career during the McCarthy era witch-hunts of the 1950s. He plods through a tatty little tale about a journalist threatened by hoodlums. A thrill-free thriller."
In "British Sound Films: The Studio Years 1928–1959" David Quinlan rated the film as "average", writing: "Standard British thriller with familiar situations leaves its competent cast with little chance to shine."
Sky Movies called it a "thoroughly routine British `B' thriller. ... Familiar situations and backdrops give a competent cast ... little chance to elevate their material above the ordinary. Director John Gilling, who also co-scripted, ensures the thriller is competent in all departments, if no more."