This is a lovely and seldom seen Oscar-winning film. Before it came on Turner Classic Movies yesterday, I'd never heard of it--probably because it is not often seen and is a bit more low-key and literate than the usual films seen on TV. There are no famous actors in the film, no explosions and no love interest--just exceptional writing and a gripping story from start to finish.

A British nuclear scientist has been thinking over a desperate plan for some time, though none of his colleagues know about it. He is so concerned about nuclear annihilation that he's come up with what seems like an insane plan. He'll steal a nuclear device and threaten to blow up central London unless the Brits publicly renounce their nuclear program. However, the man isn't necessarily mad or evil, as he gives the government ample warning in order to give them time to evacuate and blowing up this historic area is a price he thinks is worth it to ensure that nuclear war can be averted. While his scheme is a bit naive (after all, there are other nuclear nations),it does have a certain strange appeal--and this is much of why I liked the film, as they made a crazy thing seem so reasonable.

The guy who plays the scientist is Barry Jones and he is great in the part because he's so unassuming and normal looking. During most of the film he's on the run--hiding from authorities until he can ultimately destroy the city center as well as himself. Excellent acting on his part and the rest of the cast, superb writing (which earned this small film the Oscar) and an idea that is fascinating, this is a great film. In many ways, it's highly reminiscent of another wonderful film, THE Satan BUG, which is about an insane scientist who wants to unleash a lethal bacteria upon the world. The only problem with SEVEN DAYS TO NOON is that the central idea of stealing a nuclear device is a bit preposterous and you need to keep yourself from worrying about how this isn't possible--I know it isn't--just go with it!!

Seven Days To Noon is ironically one of those films that has grown into the times rather than be dated. It's certainly a relevant film given the threat of nuclear terror today.

But back in 1950 I don't believe the technical expertise was there so that Barry Jones or anyone else could have put a device like that in a briefcase. Take a look at pictures of Fat Man and Little Boy the code names for the weapons dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Those things could not have fit in a briefcase and developments hadn't advanced that far in five years. Now sad to say it actually could be done.

Barry Jones is an atomic scientist who is suffering from fatigue and overwork and a questioning mind about what exactly he's developing. His mind snaps and he takes one of the weapons Great Britain has been developing and sends a letter to the Prime Minister. Issue a statement you'll stop the program or he's going to explode his package on Sunday at high noon.

That sets up a manhunt for Jones throughout the United Kingdom, but especially of course in London. His note does specify the seat of the government. Andre Morrell as a Scotland Yard Inspector, Hugh Cross as one of his fellow scientists who will have to disarm the device once located, and Sheila Manahan as his daughter lead the search for Jones and the package of destruction he has.

Despite the fact that it was a technological impossibility in 1950, Seven Days To Noon is still an effective thriller of a film, worthy of a Hitchcock. It's interesting that they came close to getting Jones a few times before they do catch up. Best in the film is Olive Sloane the frowzy former music hall entertainer who Jones holds as a hostage for a while. She wants to do her bit as well as she's trying to get to Aldershot to entertain the troops.

Seven Days To Noon got an Oscar for Best Screen Story. It remains one of the few films that actually grew technologically and became more relevant now than when it first came out.

SEVEN DAYS TO NOON is a slow-burning British drama of the 1950s in which a disaffected nuclear scientist steals a small atom bomb and decides to revenge himself on Britain for their role in promoting world warfare. To this end, he sends the prime minister a letter threatening to explode the device in London. The film follows the police (in the form of the ever-reliable Andre Morell) as they hunt for the madman and the scientist himself as he seeks to evade capture. There are some nice slice-of-life character bits dotted throughout the production, such as the woman with the dog whom the scientist befriends, and solid character bits from the likes of Joan Hickson. This isn't as pacy or exciting as a modern-day version of the story would be, but it still does the job ably enough and builds to a suitably gripping climax. Watch out for Victor Maddern and Sam Kydd in their customary cameos.