Playback (1962 film)

Playback is a 1962 British neo-noir crime drama film directed by Quentin Lawrence and starring Margit Saad, Barry Foster, and Allan Cuthbertson.

The film follows a struggling artist, Cliff Hughes (Barry Foster), who becomes embroiled in a murder investigation when he stumbles upon compromising photographs suggesting the wealthy and powerful businessman, Geoffrey Beaumont (Allan Cuthbertson), is involved in criminal activity. He subsequently becomes entangled with Beaumont's alluring wife, Lisa (Margit Saad), further complicating the situation.

Playback is notable for its suspenseful atmosphere, twists and turns, and morally ambiguous characters. While not widely known, it represents a lesser-seen example of British neo-noir filmmaking from the early 1960s. The film's title alludes to the critical role photography and the "playback" of evidence play in uncovering the truth.