---
title: "House of Blackmail"
year: 1953
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/house-of-blackmail-1953"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 175073
imdb_id: null
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 72
community_rating: 6.4
vote_count: 0
content_rating: "Unrated"
---

# House of Blackmail (1953) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/house-of-blackmail-1953

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

House of Blackmail is a film first released in 1953. Catalogued under Drama. Produced and broadcast by A.C.T. Films. Current status: Released.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A murdered blackmailer leaves a tangled web of suspects for the police to untangle."

### Why Watch
- Directed by veteran filmmaker Maurice Elvey
- Features early performances by Mary Germaine and William Sylvester
- Compact 72‑minute runtime keeps the mystery tight

### Caveats & Content Note
- Mixed critical reception reflected by a 60% rating
- Production values are modest as a second‑feature
- Tone & Suitability: The serious drama and murder plot make it suitable for mature audiences.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: noir, tense, classic

## Streaming Availability Matrix

Direct streaming licensing updates dynamically. Consult the live tracking interface at https://www.archytele.com/show/house-of-blackmail-1953#watch.

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Maurice Elvey
- **Networks / Studios**: A.C.T. Films

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Mary Germaine** as *Carol Blane*
- **William Sylvester** as *Jimmy*
- **Alexander Gauge** as *John Markham*
- **Denis Shaw** as *Bassett*
- **Ingeborg von Kusserow** as *Emma*
- **Patricia Owens** as *Joan*
- **C. Denier Warren** as *Jock*
- **Barry Wynne** as *Billy Blane*
- **Hugo Schuster** as *Dr. Welich*
- **John Arnatt** as *Pete Carter*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Who directed House of Blackmail?
Maurice Elvey directed the 1953 film.

### Q: When was the film released?
It was released in the United Kingdom on 13 July 1953.

### Q: What is the film about?
A blackmailer is murdered, prompting police to investigate a long list of suspects.

### Q: Who stars in the movie?
The film stars Mary Germaine, William Sylvester and Alexander Gauge.

### Q: How long is the film?
The runtime is approximately 72 minutes (1 hour 12 minutes).

## Grounded Source Citations

- [House of Blackmail — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/175073)
- [House of Blackmail - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_of_Blackmail)
- [House of Blackmail 60% (1953) | Kinobox.cz](https://www.kinobox.cz/film/174306-house-of-blackmail)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*