It's not surprising this crime melodrama reminds one of the series of 1960s Edgar Wallace 'B' movies as they're both made by the low-budget Merton Park Studios.
But while 'The Floating Dutchman' isn't inspired on any level, it's better than the typical Wallace series movie because (even at only an hour's length) they were so routine and dreary they were tedious to get through.
That's because veteran director Vernon Sewell has enough skill to make this conventional and thin story moderately enjoyable to watch. For example with great efficiency he manages to set up the entire plot within the first 5 minutes.
That's not to say the film is not without its problems. Even at a short 74 minute running time the story drags on occasion.
And there are numerous issues with the plot. Basic events in the narrative like what happened to Rose Reid's brother remain unanswered.
As well, it seems hard to believe that for such an experienced criminal that Skinner never considers the possibility Dermot Walsh's character is really a cop; even though he's constantly told by colleagues that he can't be trusted!
And the biggest problem occurs at the end: even though Skinner is a major criminal the police have been after for years, when he's finally apprehended he has barely any police protection and escapes with laughable ease.
Despite those issues and the very low budget, 'The Floating Dutchman' is a decent enough timewaster.
But while 'The Floating Dutchman' isn't inspired on any level, it's better than the typical Wallace series movie because (even at only an hour's length) they were so routine and dreary they were tedious to get through.
That's because veteran director Vernon Sewell has enough skill to make this conventional and thin story moderately enjoyable to watch. For example with great efficiency he manages to set up the entire plot within the first 5 minutes.
That's not to say the film is not without its problems. Even at a short 74 minute running time the story drags on occasion.
And there are numerous issues with the plot. Basic events in the narrative like what happened to Rose Reid's brother remain unanswered.
As well, it seems hard to believe that for such an experienced criminal that Skinner never considers the possibility Dermot Walsh's character is really a cop; even though he's constantly told by colleagues that he can't be trusted!
And the biggest problem occurs at the end: even though Skinner is a major criminal the police have been after for years, when he's finally apprehended he has barely any police protection and escapes with laughable ease.
Despite those issues and the very low budget, 'The Floating Dutchman' is a decent enough timewaster.