Hunted (1952 film)

Hunted, also known as The Stranger in Between in the United States, is a 1952 British thriller film directed by Charles Crichton and starring Dirk Bogarde, Jon Whiteley, and Elizabeth Sellars. The film tells the story of a man, Robbie (Bogarde), who escapes from prison after being convicted of murdering his estranged wife. On the run, he encounters a young boy, Robbie (Whiteley), who is a neglected and unhappy child. The escaped convict reluctantly takes the boy with him as he tries to evade the police and reach his destination.

The film focuses on the evolving relationship between the hardened criminal and the innocent child. The boy, initially frightened, begins to trust Robbie, seeing him as a father figure. Robbie, in turn, is moved by the boy's vulnerability and begins to question his own actions and motivations. The film explores themes of innocence, guilt, redemption, and the impact of circumstance on individual lives.

Hunted is notable for its use of location filming, primarily in and around London, and for its gritty realism. The cinematography captures the post-war atmosphere of the city. The performances of Bogarde and Whiteley were particularly praised. While a thriller, the film also contains elements of social commentary, highlighting the plight of neglected children and the complexities of the justice system. Hunted received a nomination for the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival in 1952.