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The Long Haul (1957 film)
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Wikipedia article
'The Long Haul' is a 1957 British drama film directed by Ken Hughes and starring Victor Mature, Patrick Allen and Diana Dors.
Plot
* An American ex-serviceman leaves Allied-occupied Germany after World War II and is persuaded by his English wife to settle in Liverpool. Looking for work, he becomes a lorry driver. He comes into contact with criminals involved in theft from commercial vehicles and draws close to the girlfriend of a major crime figure.
Cast
* Victor Mature as Harry Miller
* Diana Dors as Lynn
* Patrick Allen as Joe Easy
* Gene Anderson as Connie Miller
* Peter Reynolds as Frank
* Liam Redmond as Casey
* John Welsh as Doctor
* Meier Tzelniker as Nat Fine
* Michael Wade as Butch Miller
* Dervis Ward as Mutt
* Murray Kash as Jeff
* Jameson Clark as MacNaughton
* John Harvey as Superintendent Macrea
* Roland Brand as Army sergeant
* Stanley Rose as Foreman
* Barry Raymond as Depot manager
* Norman Rossington as Liverpool driver
* Arthur Mullard as Minor role
* Alfred Burke as drunk in Club (uncredited)
* Sam Kydd as Taxi Driver
* Madge Brindley as Caf Proprietress
Original novel
The film was based on the novel by Mervyn Mills, published in 1956. It was Mills' first novel. According to his obituary, the novel "stemmed from his journeys through early post-war Britain on a moped, before the advent of the motorways, when he absorbed, on the Great North Road, something of the lives of the long-distance lorry drivers, their roadside cafes and the people, often women, who frequented them. The book was turned down by 12 publishers, then accepted by the 13th, and even then Mills had to fight for his artistic integrity with the director and general editor Lovat Dickson to retain the more colourful passages. After so many rejections, this took courage."Obituary: Mervyn Mills: [FOREIGN Edition]
Barker, Ralph. The Independent 1 June 2000: 6.
The 'Irish Times' called it "an exciting and unusually vivid book."CLEVER BUT IRRITATING, A R. The Irish Times 14 Apr 1956: 8
Development
Film rights were bought by Todon Productions, the film company of Tony Owen and Donna Reed, run by Maxwell Seton. Ken Hughes, who had made films for them before, signed to write and direct.
In July 1956 Diana Dors agreed to play the female lead.Whole Town Fights Over British Charmer, Parsons, Louella. The Washington Post and Times-Herald 11 July 1956: 20. Like many Todon films, it was distributed through Columbia. The production was credited to Seton's company, Marksman Films.A TOWN CALLED HOLLYWOOD: Studio Has 4 McGowans, Not to Mention a Megowan, Scheuer, Philip K. Los Angeles Times 26 Aug 1956: D2. Columbia were financing a number of films in Britain at the time.
Robert Mitchum originally was announced as the male star.Diana Dors Isn't Homesick; She's Set for Film in Britain, Hopper, Hedda. Chicago Daily Tribune I29 Sep 1956: 22. In January 1957 Victor Mature signed.Looking at Hollywood: Vic Mature to Make Film in London with Diana Dors, Hopper, Hedda. Chicago Daily Tribune 25 Jan 1957: b8. Mature had just made three films in England for Warwick Productions, which also distributed through Columbia: 'Zarak', 'Safari' and 'Interpol'. Mature had driven trucks for his father's business when younger.Round the British Studios, Nepean, Edith. Picture Show; London Vol. 68, Iss. 1786, (Jun 22, 1957): 11.
Setton tried to get Raymond Burr to support Mature and Dors but was unable to secure him.George Nader to Star With Borchers; 'Bombay Meeting' New Venture, Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 15 Feb 1957: 21. A lead role was played by newcomer Patrick Allen whom Setton signed to a three-picture contract over three years.Gossip, Filmer, Fay. Picture Show; London Vol. 1777, Iss. 68, (Apr 20, 1957): 3-4.
Production
Filming started 18 February and took place at British Lion studios in Shepperton.Gossip
Filmer, Fay. Picture Show; London Vol. 68, Iss. 1778, (Apr 27, 1957): 3-4, 13. There was location filming in the Scottish Highlands.
Critical reception
Leonard Maltin dismissed the film as "Minor fare"; whereas DVD Talk commended a "Completely satisfying British B-noir. Sure the story is familiar, but it's handled with cold, professional skill. The performers are perfectly cast here. I'm highly recommending 'The Long Haul'."
'Filmink' called it "a decent little movie, and Dors was as beautiful and warm as ever, reminding everyone what she was capable of."
Alternative Title
In Spain, the original poster gave it the title 'El Precio de un Hombre', 'The Price of a Man'.
See also
* List of American films of 1957
References
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