After last year’s Alternative Christmas Film Advent Calendar’s globetrotting venture this year things settle in to spend Christmas at home. There are a good deal of classic British Christmas films, and plenty of festive features which love to pitch a rom-com in London or a castle in the country, but this year the Calendar grabs a mince pie and takes a look at some lesser known or thought of British Christmas films.
Alongside many films about redemption the festive season occasionally brings with it a handful of heist tales. One festive thriller which hasn’t been revisited as much over the years is 1961’s Hammer feature Cash On Demand.
Studio favourite Peter Cushing portrays bank manager Harry Fordyce; a direct, straight-faced, no-nonsense figure unconcerned with Christmas parties and focused on business-as-usual at this busy time of year for his branch. However, when held at gunpoint by André Morell’s fake inspector, his wife and child calling for help over the phone after being held hostage, a business-as-usual exterior hides a behind-the-scenes scramble to clear the vaults of £97,000 (just under £1.8 million today) before the day is over. All while people, including staff, go in and out of the bank in front of Fordyce’s rear office all day – even the window cleaner poses a threat to Fordyce’s life and family if he were to see anything suspicious.
Throughout we’re constantly reminded of the busy time of year in which everything is taking place. It’s just two days to go before Christmas day and everything is on the line for a man who eventually confesses that with no friends his family is all he’s got – in a moment which feels, much like the rest of the film, particularly well-aged as opposed to something dated and very much of the early-60s. Yet, the traditional nature of the narrative, and indeed the central characters, provides a fitting feeling for such a tale, especially when it comes to the imminent arrival of Christmas. Whilst other staff members chatter about their plans, looking forward to a work celebration, the boss fears that his may be ruined in more ways than one. Business turns into something much more personal as things develop.
As mentioned, these are very much familiar themes within a Christmas film, and in this regard Cash On Demand is a more conventional festive feature than a handful of other Calendar entries over the years. By the end it has a rather clear feeling of seasonal spirit akin to annual watches for many people, especially, of course, A Christmas Carol which this feels very much rooted in. An enjoyable watch suitable for the year-round, but perhaps most effective, when the film is lightly and effectively set, at Christmas.
To see where Cash On Demand is available to buy, rent or stream, including in your own country, JustWatch is a good site to check out.
Just A Little Bit Random 