THE SET UP

GB
1963
58mins
Dir: Gerard Glaister
Starring: Maurice Denham and Maria Corvin

When a staged burglary turns into murder, a criminal recently released from prison realises he has been set up

This short crime drama was one of a series of second feature films based on Edgar Wallace novels, released between 1960 and 1965 in British cinemas. It features a train journey at the beginning that includes the usual studio-bound set, though a stock shot of an ex-LMS Class 7P ‘Royal Scot’ 4-6-0 on an express at night opens the film. This went on to become much reused, as after its appearance in this film, the shot was seen in Heavens Above! and From Russia With Love (both 1963), Night Train to Paris (1964), Dr. Terror’s House of Horrors (1965), then The Thirty Nine Steps (1978).

Who would have thought that after its appearance here, this shot of a ‘Royal Scot’ would go on to reappear in five other films! Add to this its appearance in the very first episode of The Saint TV series, The Talented Husband which aired on 4th October 1962, then this must be one of the most used ‘stock shots’ outside of Brief Encounter!