Man Who Stayed Alive, The

Date: 1955
Director: Paul Dickson
Production Company: Danziger Productions Ltd.

Stars: Adrienne Corri, Brian Worth, Stephen Vercoe, Maurice Kaufmann. Peter Illing
Location(s): London

Region(s): ,

Storyline:

Believing that artists only reach fame after death, three penniless young painters discuss a plan for one of them to die.

Additional Information:

Page compiled by Phil Wilkinson

One of a series of thirteen shorts made at Hammersmith’s Riverside Studios in association with Paramount Television Productions. All thirteen stories received British theatrical releases either singly or as part of two three-part portmanteau films. Six stories were released in US cinemas as the ‘Calling Scotland Yard’ series. Twelve of the stories were broadcast as ‘Adventure Theater’ on the NBC network in the United States. ‘The Man Who Stayed Alive’ was never shown theatrically or broadcast in the US, so was only ever seen as a British theatrical short.

Can you help:

If you have any information regarding this production, the locations or, even better, some comparison shots please contact us. Images submitted must be in Landscape orientation, as would be seen on the cinema screen, not Portrait.

We are aware that there are films on the site that were added when the criteria for the inclusion of locations was very different from today and, as a result, there may be scenes missing from some productions. Please do not forward additional screen captures to us but bring the detail to our attention, for we do, and are, 're-addressing' these older entries as time allows.

  • Capture 1
  • 'Now' required

After three struggling artists, Robert, Michael and Guy, draw cards to decide which one of them is to fake their suicide, the "victim" travels to Ireland to commit the desperate act.

  • Capture 2
  • 'Now' required

Returning to England, Michael takes up residence in a rented cottage in rural Sussex.

  • Capture 3
  • 'Now' required

Soon after reports of Michael's death appear in the newspapers, the friends' agent Clifton arranges an exhibition of his work in Knightsbridge. Looking eastward from the junction of Knightsbridge and Brompton Road in SW1 with the Hyde Park Hotel to the left.

  • Capture 4
  • 'Now' required

Guy drives to Michael's retreat with more paintings for him to sign.

  • Capture 5
  • 'Now' required

The camera pans with the car as Guy continues to the cottage where the now famous artist has been out shooting rabbits.