Robbery Under Arms (1957) – Nostalgia Central

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A Western in everything but name, this British-made film – produced by the Rank Organisation and filmed in Eastman Colour at Pinewood Studios and on location in Australia – relates the daredevil exploits of the notorious Captain Starlight, one of the greatest rogues of 19th Century Australia.

The diamond-hard bushranger (played by Peter Finch) creates a legend around himself for his love of danger, valour and excitement.

The Marston brothers, fatally attracted to Starlight and quick money from stealing cattle, are played by Ronald Lewis and David McCallum.

Their father, Ben, who has spent his whole life on the wrong side of the law, is played by Laurence Naismith.

Maureen Swanson plays Kate Morrison, the woman spurned by Dick Marston, and – as he discovers to his detriment – not a woman to be tossed aside. Jill Ireland plays her sister, Jean, who becomes involved with Jim Marston (David McCallum and Jill Ireland began a relationship during filming in Australia and married after they returned to England.).

When Starlight is caught, the brothers escape to the Bendigo gold fields to make some honest money. They meet up again with Kate and Jean (who marries Jim) and work hard to save up £254,

Unfortunately, they become embroiled in a bank robbery staged by Starlight and his gang and, once again – through no fault of their own – find themselves on the run.

The film’s climax sees a large body of troopers and their colleagues attacking the mountain hideout of Starlight’s gang, with inevitable results. The resulting shootout – realistic and beautifully photographed from many angles – is one of the finest ever put to film.

Captain Starlight
Peter Finch
Dick Marston
Ronald Lewis
Jim Marston
David McCallum
Kate Morrison
Maureen Swanson
Jean
Jill Ireland
Grace
Ursula Finlay
Ben Marston
Laurence Naismith
Ma Marston
Jean Anderson
Aunt
Edna Morris
Eileen Marston
Dudy Nimmo
George Storefield
Vincent Ball
Police Sgt. Goring
Max Wagner
Burke
Larry Taylor
Warrigal
Johnny Cadell
Runnimal
Colin Ballantyne
Auctioneer
Stephen Scrutton
Paddy
Bartlett Mullins
Mr Green
Russell Napier
Moran
Laurie Pumpa
Child’s Mother
Philippa Morgan
Minister
George Cormack
Mr Mullockson
Robert Reardon
Barker
Pat Hagan
Mr James
Maxwell Homes
Clerk
John Hargreaves
Falkland
Ivor Bromley
Lady in Coach
Rita Pauncefort
Black Tracker
Billy Pepper
Sergeant Arthur
Ewen Solon