The latest three titles in Network's 'The British Film' collection have been confirmed for February UK DVD release: Manuela, a 1957 drama from future Bond director Guy Hamilton and starring Trevor Howard; Circle of Danger, a 1951 mystery thriller from director Jacques Tournier and starring Ray Milland; and Assassin for Hire, a 1951 crime mystery from Operation Amsterdam director Michael McCarthy.

Manuela (1957)

43-year-old James Prothero is up to the ears in alcohol and the skipper of a tramp ship due to leave South America for Britain who’s sick to death of carting goods back and forth across the world. Then he meets Manuela – a beautiful native girl smuggled on board by one of his crew, and he comes to realise that she, too, is a lost soul. Gradually a love affair develops between them, and Prothero becomes dangerously blind to the responsibilities of his position.

Manuela is a BAFTA-nominated drama and early feature from future Bond director Guy Hamilton (Goldfinger, Diamonds Are Forever, Live and Let Die). Trevor Howard (Gandhi, The Third Man) heads a strong cast as the jaded captain of a cargo ship, with Elsa Martinelli (Madigan’s Millions, Hatari!) starring in the title role. The film also features Donald Pleasence, Jack MacGowran and Warren Mitchell.

Manuela is out on DVD from 23rd February 2015,at the RRP of £9.99, as part of Network’s ‘The British Film’ collection. Also known as Stowaway Girl, Manuela is featured here in a brand-new transfer from the original film elements, in its as-exhibited theatrical aspect ratio.

Extra features will be:

• Alternate ending
• Italian theatrical trailer
• Image gallery

Circle of Danger (1951)

Clay Douglas arrives in London to investigate the mysterious death of his brother, who served as a Commando with the British Forces. Suspecting it was not a German bullet that killed his brother, Clay's investigations uncover the fact that there was a mysterious 13th member of the raiding party.

A cleverly plotted mystery from Cat People and Night of the Demon director Jacques Tourneur, Circle Of Danger casts Oscar-winner Ray Milland (Dial M For Murder, The Lost Weekend) as an American who comes to London hoping to discover the true circumstances about his brother’s death during a wartime operation in France.

Circle Of Danger also boasts fine performances from Marius Goring (The Barefoot Contessa, A Matter of Life and Death) and Gainsborough heroine Patricia Roc (Jassy, Millions Like Us).

It is available to own from 23 February 2015, RRP £9.99, courtesy of Network’s ‘The British Film’ collection. Circle of Danger is featured here in a brand-new transfer from the original film elements, in its as-exhibited theatrical aspect ratio.

The extra features are:

• Original theatrical trailer
• Image gallery

Assassin for Hire (1951)

Antonio Riccardi, a rare stamp dealer who is secretly a hired killer, pays for the violin lessons of his gifted brother Giuseppe. To meet the expenses of Giuseppe’s concert debut he accepts a further job, but his decision to do so provides Detective Inspector Carson, who has long hoped to ensnare Tony, with an opportunity that might now enable him to bring about his downfall.

A taut, noir-ish crime thriller produced by Primetime Emmy-nominee and future Avengers lynchpin Julian Wintle, Assassin for Hire stars Sydney Tafler (The Spy Who Loved Me) as a hitman who nurtures his younger brother’s musical talent with blood money.

Assassin For Hire will be available to own on DVD from 23rd February 2015 at the RRP of £9.99, courtesy of Network Distributing’s ‘The British Film’ collection. This early-fifties ‘B’-movie gem is featured here in a brand-new transfer from the original film elements, in its as-exhibited theatrical aspect ratio.

The only listed extra feature is the original press release on PDF.