He Who Rides a Tiger (1965)

He Who Rides a Tiger Poster

Peter Rayston, has been in and out of prison most of his life. At 30, he is released for the eighth time, after serving a sentence for housebreaking. Immediately, he goes back to his old life, providing for his expensive tastes by executing a series of daring burglaries

Movie Overview
"He Who Rides a Tiger" is a British criminal offense movie from 1965, directed by Charles Crichton. The film is based on the life of real-life burglar Harry "The Human Fly" King, convincingly played by Tom Bell. Produced by the Associated British Picture Corporation, the motion picture likewise stars Judi Dench as a significant cast member. The title is originated from a proverb indicating harmful circumstances that are hard to abandon once begun.

Plot Summary
The film opens with Peter Rayston (Tom Bell), a knowledgeable burglar with a peculiar code of ethics. Rayston wanders off from the stereotypical understanding of a burglar by justifying his illegal activities through the faults of the upper classes - rationalizing that he's simply reclaiming what the abundant have unjustly built up. He has an unique strategy of working, demonstrating agility by using drains and roofs to get into houses rather than doors and windows to prevent detection.

Secret Characters
Judi Dench plays the role of Joanne, an innocent, naive girl who becomes involved with Rayston. In spite of her infatuation with him, she stays oblivious about his criminal profession. She eventually learns the fact about his real life, resulting in a rollercoaster of feelings and conflicts, eventually checking Rayston's loyalties in between his relationship and criminal profession.

Considerable Turning Point
While robbing a mansion in Hampstead, Rayston finds proof of a tax-evasion scheme carried out by the rich businessman, Fairfax (Willoughby Goddard). Unexpected even himself, Rayston responds with a sense of outrage and blackmails Fairfax, requiring cash not for his personal gain but to be contributed to charity. This action represents Rayston's personal pursuit of justice.

Ending
However, the real drama begins to build up as Peter's criminal activities get significantly brazen, his nocturnal experiences producing a brilliant pattern that could lead authorities back to him. Rayston, mentally connected to Joanne, is torn in between his criminal profession and personal life. Ultimately, Rayston's own sense of justice becomes his failure. While trying to return to the roof after blackmailing Fairfax, he is attacked by a watchdog, resulting in his identification and arrest. The story ends with Rayston getting a sentence of seven years in jail, leaving a heartbroken Joanne behind.

Crucial Summary
"He Who Rides a Tiger" provides an interesting profile of a criminal anti-hero through its interesting narrative. The film shows the socioeconomic disparities of the 1960s British society through its lead character, empowering the audience to consider on the underlying ethical questions of wealth distribution and justice. Tom Bell and Judi Dench's immersive efficiencies add depth to their characters, making the film a compelling piece of social commentary.

The movie can also be seen as an expedition of human motivation and a study in ethical relativity, making it a timeless worth seeing. It prospers in immersing audiences in the reality of its characters and evoking their deep-rooted feelings and aspirations. In the end, the film leaves a long lasting impression with its dark undertone and interesting stories-- showcasing how an individual who takes justice into his own hands need to sustain the repercussions of his actions.

Top Cast

  • Tom Bell (small)
    Tom Bell
    Peter Rayston
  • Judi Dench (small)
    Judi Dench
    Joanne
  • Paul Rogers (small)
    Paul Rogers
    Supt. Taylor
  • Kay Walsh (small)
    Kay Walsh
    Mrs. Woodley
  • Ray McAnally (small)
    Ray McAnally
    Orphanage Superintendent
  • Jeremy Spenser (small)
    Jeremy Spenser
    The Panda
  • Peter Madden (small)
    Peter Madden
    Peepers Woodley
  • Inigo Jackson
    Det. Sgt. Scott
  • Annette Andre (small)
    Annette Andre
    Julie
  • Edina Ronay (small)
    Edina Ronay
    Anna
  • Jimmy Gardner (small)
    Jimmy Gardner
    Waiter