The Man Upstairs (1958 film)
The Man Upstairs is a 1958 British psychological drama directed by Don Chaffey. It stars Richard Attenborough as Peter Watson, a boarding-house tenant who suffers pain and cannot sleep. He repeatedly tries to light a coin-operated gas fire and seeks help from a fellow lodger, the reluctant artist Nicholas. Neighbors are drawn into his turmoil: Mrs Barnes tries to help, while a mental health worker, Mr Sanderson, and the police try to handle the dangerous situation. After a tense night, Watson is persuaded to leave his room and is taken to hospital by ambulance.
Production notes: The film was produced by Robert Dunbar for Act Films Ltd, with a screenplay by Alun Falconer and Robert Dunbar. It runs 88 minutes and is in English, from the United Kingdom. The cast also includes Bernard Lee and Donald Houston.
Reception: The film received strong notices from critics but did not achieve large box-office success. Reviewers praised its suspense, direction, and the performances, particularly Attenborough’s. Some comparisons were made to Le Jour Se Lève and Fourteen Hours. Radio Times gave it 3 out of 5 stars.
This page was last edited on 3 February 2026, at 04:43 (CET).