The Monthly Film Bulletin wrote: "Although it is superficially a straightforward 'crime does not pay' yarn, He Who Rides a Tiger goes deeper into character than is usual in this sort of exercise.

Essentially it is a study of a psychopathic personality, and Tom Bell's tense but likeable performance gives an only too believable reality to Peter's sudden violent rages, his equally unpredictable gentleness, and his palpably hopeless responsibility.

He and Judi Dench, who brings warmth and integrity to Joanne, make their uneasy relationship very real, and in the orphanage scenes in particular, Charles Crichton has drawn a delightful response from the professional players and from the children.

Indeed, the film's weakness lies mainly in the script which, in spite of a good central idea, suffers from some silly plot mechanics and bad dialogue.

Still, the genuine concern of the director and his leading players with the human problems of the story results in a liveliness and charm which are rare in this type of British thriller.