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This movie is famous for the tough and uncompromising way in which it depicts the types of gangsterism that were prevalent in Brighton in the period between the two world wars. Based on Graham Greene's classic novel of the same name, "Brighton Rock" is a story about revenge, murder and Catholic guilt but most of all; it's about a troubled young gang leader and the action he takes to deal with a series of problems. Threats that emanate from the existence of a more powerful rival gang, dissent within his own gang and a potential witness whose evidence could get him executed are just a few of his concerns but then as a Roman Catholic, he's also sharply aware of where his violent journey is taking him and tormented by his inability to change course.
Pinkie Brown (Richard Attenborough) is the new leader of a small gang whose original leader (William Kite) was killed following the publication of a newspaper article written by journalist Fred Hale (Alan Wheatley). One of the gang recognises Hale's picture in "The Daily Messenger" in a section that advertises a promotion that the paper is due to carry out in Brighton in the next few days in which Hale, operating under the name Kolley Kibber, will be handing out cash prizes to people who recognise him. When this piece of information is drawn to the attention of Pinkie, he becomes determined to take revenge on Hale for bringing about the death of the only person he really cared about.
During the gang's pursuit of Hale through the streets and pubs of Brighton, the terrified journalist tries to befriend some women including a seaside entertainer called Ida Arnold (Hermione Baddeley) in the hope that being in their company might offer him some protection. Eventually, however, he tries to keep out of sight on a ghost train but is horrified to suddenly find Pinkie sitting next to him. By the time the train reaches the end of its journey, it's carrying one passenger less than it started with and Hale's body is washed up on the shore some hours later.
As part of his promotional work, Hale had distributed a number of cards around the resort and in an effort to provide himself with an alibi for the time of the murder, Pinkie arranges for gang member Spicer (Wylie Watson) to carry on delivering the Kolley Kibber cards after Hale's death. Pinkie is later alarmed to discover that Spicer had left a card at a local café and becomes very anxious about the possible consequences if he was seen doing so. In order to try to safeguard himself, Pinkie goes to the café and befriends a young waitress called Rose (Carol Marsh) who has a very clear memory of the man who left the card at one of her tables.
Ida Arnold is very suspicious about the circumstances surrounding Hale's death and becomes determined to see that the culprit is brought to justice. Pinkie's continuing efforts to cover up his crime lead to him killing Spicer and marrying Rose to ensure that, as his wife, she won't be able to give evidence against him. Things continue to get more difficult for Pinkie for a variety of reasons and lead him to decide that another killing is necessary but the events that follow don't pan out as he'd planned.
As well as being notable for its realism, "Brighton Rock" also features a collection of memorable characters, top class dialogue and some superb expressionistic cinematography that contributes so much to the grim atmosphere of the piece. Inevitably though, it's the character Pinkie Brown and Richard Attenborough's amazing performance that leaves the most indelible impression on anyone who's seen this film. The very young Attenborough is perfect as the ruthless 17-year-old psychopath whose belief in the existence of Hell is incredibly strong and the contribution of the supporting cast is also consistently good.
score 9/10
seymourblack-1 19 June 2014
Reprint: https://www.imdb.com/review/rw3036323/ |
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25-3-2021 18:05:13