Skip to main content

The Small Back Room

The Small Back Room

Drama Romance War

1949, Movie, 1h 46min

After the lavish Technicolor spectacle of THE RED SHOES, British filmmakers Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger retreated into the inward, shadowy recesses of this moody, crackling character study. Based on the acclaimed novel by Nigel Balchin, THE SMALL BACK ROOM details the professional and personal travails of troubled, alcoholic research scientist and military bomb-disposal expert Sammy Rice (David Farrar), who, while struggling with a complex relationship with secretary girlfriend Susan (Kathleen Byron), is hired by the government to advise on a dangerous new German weapon. Deftly mixing suspense and romance, THE SMALL BACK ROOM is an atmospheric, post–World War II gem.

Country: United Kingdom

Directors:

Michael Powell,

Emeric Pressburger

Cast:

Where to Watch The Small Back Room online

Subscription

The Criterion Channel

Rent/Buy

Fandango at Home

Through some of the links above, we may earn a commission as an affiliate partner. See the full affiliate disclosure here

Ratings

Your rating:

IMDb rating

Critic rating

Average critic rating

10.0

Reviews

Critic William Thomas

rated

10

Forget Speed, this is the great Bomb Disposal movie.

Read full review at Empire

Critic Peter Bradshaw

rated

10

The strength and confidence in Powell and Pressburger’s film-making is a pleasure – as is their distinctive love of adventure and romance.

Read full review at The Guardian

Frequently asked questions

Where can I stream The Small Back Room? Toggle content

Toggle content

You can stream The Small Back Room on: The Criterion Channel Fandango at Home

What movies are similar to The Small Back Room? Toggle content

Toggle content

Some movies that have similar genres and were produced around the same time as The Small Back Room include From Here to Eternity, The Sound Barrier, Senso, The Big Lift, Battle Circus, One Minute to Zero.

When was The Small Back Room released in theaters? Toggle content

Toggle content

The Small Back Room was released in theaters on February 23, 1952.