What can one say about this British classic? Age has not withered its impact nor has anything that has followed in this genre and from this country come anywhere close to it for its sheer power. It is one of the most sinister crime films ever made in Britain, and, but, for several cuts by the censor, it would have been one of the most shocking.
Graham Greene scripted from his own novel (not in collaboration with Terence Rattigan, as has been widely stated). For those who have lived on Planet Mars for the last seventy years, it concerns the pre-war seaside resort Brighton, where two razor-slashing race gangs are feuding.
The performances range from great to outstanding. While all critics today marvel at the greatness of Attenborough's Pinkie and forget everyone else in the movie, I can't help but think great as Attenborough was it is William Hartnell who steals the show. A review in Variety at the time says it far better than I could ever hope to:
'It is difficult to believe that any gang which included William Hartnell could be led by Richard Attenborough. Hartnell is so much more the gangster type than Attenborough that it is obvious that an exchange of parts would have made the film more credible.'
So the next time you watch the film take your eyes off Attenborough and watch Hartnell. His performance comes as close to screen genius as anything before or since.
Other supporting performances are also worth noting. Hermione Badderley steals every scene in which she appears, makng Ida, the concert artist, a sympathetic character. Carol Marsh (formerly Norma Simpson), who was selected from 2,0000 applicants to star in the film, plays the waitress and gangster's wife with admirable modesty and restain.
Released in America as Young Scarface, the film is almost perfection. The only thing that lets it down is the ending. Indeed, the film does loose some of its power because of it. By scripting the faint hope that the Marsh character has that her malicious husband might love her after all we are not left with the one prospect which rings true: namely that Pinkie Brown is without any redeeming features for anyone that has ever known him.
That said it is a minor gripe. Oh and without giving the ending away for anyone who hasn't seen it I would just ask two cryptic questions: why doesn't Rose move the needle on from the scratch? She could have learned so much about Pinkie's feelings for her by doing so!!
Do you think she did so later when the cameras had gone?!!!!
This classic Graham Greene story stars Richard Attenborough (The Great Escape, Jurassic Park, Elizabeth) in perhaps his most iconic onscreen role as Pinkie: a small time hoodlum running a protection racket at a Brighton racecourse. Following the murder of a visiting journalist, Pinkie becomes involved with Rose (Carol Marsh) a café waitress and potentially dangerous witness. Marrying her seems to ensure her silence, but events escalate and a trail of killings and double-crossings eventually lead to Pinky’s undoing and a thrilling and memorable climax. Also
starring Hermoine Baddeley and William Hartnell, the film was produced
and directed by the
Boulting Brothers.
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Filming Locations
Brighton Pavilion, Brighton, East Sussex, England, UK
(Kolly Kibber running)
Brighton Racecourse, Brighton, East Sussex, England, UK
Brighton Station, Brighton, East Sussex, England, UK
(Opening Scenes where Kolly Kibber arrives in Brighton)
Brighton, East Sussex, England, UK
(exteriors)
Church Street, Brighton, East Sussex, England, UK
(Kolly Kibber running)
Clock Tower, Brighton, East Sussex, England, UK
(Kolly Kibber gets off bus)
Dr Brighton's, Little East Street, Brighton, East Sussex, England, UK
(Star and Garter Pub)
Little East Street, Brighton, East Sussex, England, UK
(Star and Garter Pub)
North Lane, Brighton, East Sussex, England, UK
Palace Pier, Brighton, East Sussex, England, UK
(Death of Kolly Kibber)
Queens Road, Brighton, East Sussex, England, UK
(Kolly Kibber runs for his life)
Russell Square, Brighton, East Sussex, England, UK
The Lanes, Brighton, East Sussex, England, UK
(Kolly Kibber runs for his life)
Welwyn Studios, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, England, UK
(studio) (interiors)
5 STARS OUT OF 5
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