We're not exactly amateurs in the business, sir.
Christmas is not a holiday that one normally associates with Hammer Films, but they made at least one picture set during the Yuletide. That would be 1962's Cash on Demand, which takes place two days before the big day and stars Peter Cushing as the rather Scrooge-like manager of a provincial bank that falls prey to a sociable gentleman robber (André Morell) whose cunning plan involves holding Cushing's family hostage. Fearing for their safety, Cushing acquiesces completely and does his best not to frustrate Morell or let his chief clerk (Richard Vernon) know that something is up. All the while, director Quentin Lawrence ratchets up the tension, reminding us of what is at stake for each of them.
Unfolding in real time without making a big deal about it, the film builds up a good head of steam even before Morell sets foot in the bank thanks to Cushing's autocratic managerial style. He even goes so far as to accuse Vernon of embezzlement -- or at the very least being capable of it -- over a matter of ten pounds. Goes to show how easily a person is capable of losing their sense of proportion. In a weird way, being put through the wringer by Morell may be the best thing that could have happened to him.