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// Workers AI · dad joke modeWhat did "The Secret Voice" say to its therapist? You have to listen between the lines.

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The Secret Voice
John Stuart and Diana Beaumont in the film
Directed byGeorge Pearson
Screenplay by
  • Margaret McDonell
  • Frances Warren
Produced byAnthony Havelock-Allan
StarringJohn Stuart
Diana Beaumont
John Kevan
CinematographyFrancis Carver
Production
company
Release date
  • 1936 (1936)
Running time
68 minutes
CountryUnited Kingdom
LanguageEnglish

The Secret Voice is a 1936 British thriller film directed by George Pearson and starring John Stuart, Diana Beaumont and John Kevan.[1][2] It was written by Margaret McDonell and Frances Warren, and was produced as a quota quickie by Paramount British Productions.[3] The screenplay concerns a scientist trying to prevent his new invention from being discovered by enemy spies.

Premise

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Young English scientist Dick Allinson invents non-inflammable petrol, and for security records his formula on the soundtrack of a film. He asks his sister, Helen, to take it to Geneva where it will be referenced in an English politician's important speech to the League of Nations. Meanwhile, international crook Brandt traps Allinson in a hotel. Allinson refuses to hand over the formula and escapes, but suspected of having murdered Brandt's accomplice. Jim Knowles, an admirer of Helen's, and who looks like Allinson, offers to be arrested in his place. The police, having discovered the identity of the murderer, release Allinson and Knowles, who then transmit the formula by telephone to Geneva. After a fight with Brandt, in which he falls down a mineshaft, matters are resolved, and Jim and Helen are engaged.[4]

Cast

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Critical reception

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Kine Weekly wrote: "International crook drama, played straight but with good comedy touches. The plot at no time is highly convincing, but becomes entertaining by its numerous complications, its love interest, and occasional moments of rapid-fire dialogue."[4]

The Daily Film Renter wrote: "Far-fetched and somewhat meandering story, which neither acting nor treatment makes convincing, but some action and attractive indoor settings. ...John Stuart comes out of it as well as anyone in the part of the heroine's friend, but his abilities are not taxed to any extent."[5]

In Picturegoer, Lionel Collier wrote: "John Stuart puts over a capable and smoothly acted performance in this none too convincing international crook drama which has numerous complications and the usual love interest. The drama is relieved by touches of comedy, but occasionally the plot itself is apt to score unintentional laughs as well. ... Diana Beaumont is fair as Helen but does not seem to be too happily cast."[6]

References

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  1. "The Secret Voice". British Film Institute Collections Search. Retrieved 22 June 2026.
  2. "BFI | Film & TV Database | The Secret Voice (1936)". BFI. Archived from the original on 14 January 2009. Retrieved 22 June 2026.
  3. Chibnall, Steve (2007). Quota Quickies: The Birth of the British 'B' Film. British Film Institute. p. 285. ISBN 978-1844571550.
  4. 1 2 "The Secret Voice". Kine Weekly. 228 (1505): 27. 20 February 1936. ProQuest 2338402863.
  5. "The Secret Voice". The Daily Film Renter (2786): 7. 19 February 1936. ProQuest 3303424083.
  6. "The Secret Voice". Picturegoer. 6 (266): 32. 27 June 1936. ProQuest 1771216520.
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