The Court Martial of Major Keller is a 1961 British second feature ('B')[1] film directed by Ernest Morris and written by Brian Clemens. It stars Laurence Payne, Susan Stephen and Austin Trevor.[2] The film recounts the court martial for murder of Major Keller, a British army officer during the Second World War. He is charged with killing his superior officer, but remains silent, refusing to defend himself.[3]
| The Court Martial of Major Keller | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by | Ernest Morris |
| Written by | Brian Clemens |
| Produced by | Edward J. Danziger Harry Lee Danziger |
| Starring | Laurence Payne Susan Stephen Ralph Michael Richard Caldicot |
| Cinematography | James Wilson |
| Edited by | Spencer Reeve |
| Music by | Bill LeSage |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | Warner-Pathé Distributors |
Release date |
|
Running time | 69 minutes |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
Cast
edit- Laurence Payne as Major Keller
- Susan Stephen as Laura Winch
- Ralph Michael as Colonel Winch
- Richard Caldicot as Harrison
- Basil Dignam as Morrell
- Austin Trevor as Power
- Simon Lack as Wilson
- Jack McNaughton as Miller
- Hugh Cross as Captain Cuby
- Peter Sinclair as Sergeant
- Humphrey Lestocq as Lieutenant Cameron
Critical reception
editThe Monthly Film Bulletin wrote: "A left-over from the series of 'B' pictures formerly made by the Danzigers, and ironically, somewhat superior to most of its predecessors. Though modest and presented without frills, it is capably acted, and commands enough standard courtroom tension to keep it going. The main weakness lies in the contrived ending."[4]
TV Guide gave the film two out of four stars, calling it an "occasionally interesting courtroom drama."[5]
References
edit- ^ Chibnall, Steve; McFarlane, Brian (2009). The British 'B' Film. London: BFI/Bloomsbury. p. 94. ISBN 978-1-8445-7319-6.
- ^ "The Court Martial of Major Keller (1964)". BFI. Archived from the original on 14 January 2009.
- ^ Hal Erickson. "The Court Martial of Major Keller (1961) - Ernest Morris - Synopsis, Characteristics, Moods, Themes and Related - AllMovie". AllMovie.
- ^ "The Court Martial of Major Keller". The Monthly Film Bulletin. 31 (360): 91. 1 January 1964 – via ProQuest.
- ^ "The Court Martial Of Major Keller". TVGuide.com.