The Walking Stick (1970)

The Walking Stick Poster

A young woman's highly ordered and structured life is turned upside-down when she meets a handsome stranger at a party. Friendship soon develops into romance and for the first time in her life she is truly happy. This happiness is short lived, however, as little by little she discovers her partner has been lying to her about his past. It is soon revealed that he and his friends have been planning to rob the auction house that she works for and they require her inside knowledge in order to pull off the crime.

Film Overview
"The Walking Stick" is a British 1970 crime thriller film directed by Eric Till. The movie's plot is based upon Winston Graham's 1967 novel of the same title. The film includes efficiencies from David Hemmings and Samantha Eggar, who play the central characters of Leigh Hartley and Deborah Dainton. The movie shows their complex relationship, combined with a gripping heist plot, making "The Walking Stick" an engaging watch.

Main Plot
Deborah Dainton (Samantha Eggar) is a susceptible girl with a limp due to polio. She is somewhat isolated as she is wary of strangers due to her disability that makes her a target. Her life takes a turn when she fulfills the charming and strange Leigh Hartley (David Hemmings). Leigh persuades Deborah to let him utilize her as a way to bring his disorderly and deceitful strategy into action. As the relationship in between Leigh and Deborah develops, so does the depth of Leigh's adjustments. Unidentified to Deborah, Leigh prepares to use her access to her wealthy dad's antiques store in an adventurous burglary.

Advancement of the Story
The story is not practically a break-in; it's more about how Deborah, the innocent and seemingly helpless character, is controlled by those whom she trusts. It is a tale of deceit, manipulation, and victimization, embedded with elements of romance and thriller. Deborah's romantic relationship with Leigh works as the basis for this adjustment. Leigh's actions are computed, making Deborah an unsuspecting accomplice in his grand plan. However, Deborah gradually realizes Leigh's real intents and starts questioning his actions.

Conclusion of the Film
When Leigh with his gang successfully pulls off the break-in, Deborah recognizes her role in this criminal offense. The sense of betrayal, paired with regret, forces her to assist the police in trapping Leigh. At the end of the movie, Leigh is jailed and Deborah's innocence is proved. The movie concludes with Deborah having to deal with the emotional aftermath of being manipulated, which indirectly leads to her growth as a character.

Critique
"The Walking Stick" brought in varying reviews. It was appreciated for its gripping narrative that combined components of crime and romance. The efficiencies, particularly those of Samantha Eggar and David Hemmings, were acknowledged for keeping the fragile balance between victim and provocateur throughout the film.

The movie's movie script provided some poignant moments in which Deborah's feelings of betrayal and trust are superbly recorded. On the other hand, some critics discovered the story's execution a little foreseeable. In spite of its predictability, the movie's compelling efficiencies and engaging plot make it an intriguing watch.

The director, Eric Till, was applauded for eliciting emotive efficiencies from the main leads and preserving the thriller throughout the film. The movie's narrative structure is commendable as it effortlessly shifts from a romantic story to a crime drama.

In Conclusion
In essence, "The Walking Stick" is more than simply a criminal offense thriller; it's about manipulation, trust, betrayal and the struggle for justice. The film's roller-coaster journey filled with love, deceit, and redemption genuinely mesmerizes the audience, making it a remarkable cinematic experience.

Top Cast

  • David Hemmings (small)
    David Hemmings
    Leigh Hartley
  • Samantha Eggar (small)
    Samantha Eggar
    Deborah Dainton
  • Emlyn Williams (small)
    Emlyn Williams
    Jack Foil
  • Phyllis Calvert (small)
    Phyllis Calvert
    Erica Dainton
  • Ferdy Mayne (small)
    Ferdy Mayne
    Douglas Dainton
  • Francesca Annis (small)
    Francesca Annis
    Arabella Dainton
  • Bridget Turner
    Sarah Dainton
  • Dudley Sutton (small)
    Dudley Sutton
    Ted Sandymount
  • John Woodvine (small)
    John Woodvine
    Bertie Irons
  • David Savile
    David Talbot
  • Gwen Cherrell
    Mrs. Hartley