Prigioniero del grattacielo

A cold-blooded murder takes place on an American military base in the western German region of Palatinate. At the same time, nightclub singer Lilli Hoffmann (Hildegard KNEF) moves into a furnished penthouse in West Berlin, which she rents for a few months from the hastily departing Anna Grant (Katherine KATH). The two events actually have nothing to do with each other. Or so it seems, until the beautiful Lilli discovers the US Major Baxter Grant (Van JOHNSON) on her roof terrace one night.

Directed by British director Muriel BOX, this is a crime story that could only take place in post-war Germany occupied by the Allies. It becomes clear that the story is based on a play. Almost everything takes place in the penthouse apartment. KNEF appears here under her international star name Hildegarde NEFF. And of course NEFF also gets to sing a song, "Love Is Not Love".

Other roles include Albert LIEVEN as Lilli's lawyer and the young Vivian MATALON as the major's stepson.

The British crime drama was filmed in London's Shepperton Studios. All you can see of West Germany are the signs along the motorway. It is a pure studio production that seems almost forgotten in German-speaking countries despite the participation of Hildegard KNEF. That's a shame. SUBWAY IN THE SKY is not a masterpiece, but it does offer a solid crime story. Hildegard KNEF is a little under-challenged in this black-and-white production, but she wears charming costumes and also surprises with a turbulent action sequence.