The Price of Silence (1960 film)

Richard Fuller (Gordon Jackson) is interviewed by the prison governor just prior to his release. He admits guilt to the charge of embezzlement but it was to help a friend, who did not return the cash as promised. Fuller's heart was in the right place.

Seeing a book on a park bench he decides to change is name by deed poll to Roger Fenton in order to make a clean start. He establishes a new career as an estate agent and has a distinct charm and talent. He is given his own office with his name on the door.

In the course of his work he encounters the young Mrs Shipley who takes an instant shine to him in preference to her elderly husband who is a partner in the firm. Although his love interest lies elsewhere with Audrey Truscott, Mrs Shipley says her influence can gain him a partnership.

Roger meets a journalist friend, John Braine, in a bar and they exchange tips. However, his past catches up with him when his ex-cellmate Slug (Sam Kydd) eavesdrops on the conversation. Slug later turns up to blackmail him and he starts passing him £2 a week in Slug's little confectionery shop. But Slug changes the deal and demands a one-of payment of £600 instead, promising to disappear if this is paid.

Fenton stays late in the office waiting for the Slug (planning to murder him) but getting drunk. He chickens out and leaves and meets Mrs Shipley who tries to sober him up. Meanwhile the Slug goes to rendezvous in the office. Mrs West, an elderly client arrives with £300 as a deposit on a house and Slug kills her and steals the money. Meanwhile Fenton goes to see Miss Truscott and confess all. They agree to run off together not realising that this will imply guilt in the murder in the office.

Fenton is now up north in Miss Truscott's Yorkshire cottage. He reads about the murder in the newspaper and goes to the police to explain. However, his main alibi for the time of the murder is not supported by Mrs Shipley who denies seeing him. Ironically, Mr Shipley witnessed the liaison and supports Fenton's alibi and he is free to go.

• Gordon Jackson - Roger Fenton
• June Thorburn - Audrey Truscott
• Maya Koumani - Maria Shipley
• Terence Alexander - John Braine
• Mary Clare - Mrs West
• Victor Brooks - Superintendent Wilson
• Joan Heal - Ethel
• Olive Sloane - Landlady
• Llewellyn Rees - H.G. Shipley
• Annette Kerr - Miss Collins, the office secretary
• Norman Shelley - Councilor Forbes
• Sam Kydd - The Slug
• Norman Mitchell - Landlord

• The Price of Silence at IMDb