Der aus der Hölle kam

English Director Michael Apted has received a good bit of attention for a few films over the years, most notably Coal Miner's Daughter, Gorky Park and Gorilla's In The Mist. He's also directed a number of TV episodes of many well known shows. Of all of the films I've seen of his, two of them stand out to me as quite underrated or underappreciated generally. This one which is actually so underseen it seems, and 1992's Thunderheart with Sam Shepard, Graham Greene and Val Kilmer. I definitely recommend checking them both out if you like crime drama.

7.5/10.

Gritty, fast-paced British crime thriller typical of the genre-eg "Get Carter"; "The Long Good Friday", and although falls somewhat short of these classics, nevertheless delivers the requisite punch. Interestingly cast, with Stacy Keach on good form as the alcoholic ex-cop investigating the kidnap of his daughter; David Hemmings in smooth bad-guy mode, Edward Fox as the wealthy step-father,and Stephen Boyd, in his final film role delivering a menacing portrayal as master-villain Vic Smith. Shot in and around London, many of the scenes and settings will be familiar to British viewers of the 1970's TV hit "The Sweeney" with similar allusions to a less-than-perfect central character struggling with the violent London underworld. Massively under-rated at time of release; certainly a must for all fans of this peculiarly British genre.

Unlikely duo (British comedian and actor) Freddie Starr, and (American Actor) Stacy Keach; team up in this eccentric 1970's Brit Gangster-Kidnap-Heist. In combination with Edward Fox, David Hemmings, and Stephen Boyd; this ensemble deliver a movie that successfully encapsulates both the time and the place (Central London UK). Leon Griffith's intelligent Screenplay, and David Hentschel's driving musical score, create a 'perfect-storm' of a movie-drama that it's mega-budget movie peers, could only dream of. Punching way above it's weight, this overlooked Gem comes with the Highest Recommendation.

Tough, hard hitting British thriller about an ex Scotland yard man, played very convincingly by Stacy Keach, now trying to keep from becoming a confirmed alcoholic. He finds his old skills are needed again when his wife is kidnapped. The cast are excellent, and they, along with the no holds barred script make this one of the best thrillers of the 70's

This is a minor lost classic of a British gangster film done in the same vein as The Sweeney, Get Carter and The Long Good Friday. It proves that it doesn't have to be American to be authentic and realistic. In fact it's the film's gritty locations which add weight to the storyline. Former Detective Inspector Naboth, now a struggling private eye who live s in the bottle is called upon when his ex-wife is kidnapped. Stacey Keach is Jim Naboth who is called upon by ex-wifes new lover Edward Fox who is blackmailed into taking part in a bank heist. Look out for the scene when Stacey Keach is wearing nothing but a shoe to cover up his manhood after being forced to hand over all his clothes to villain boss "Irish Jack" who is a sadistic thug, except when it comes to his own daughter whom he dotes upon. Another controversial scene is when Jill(Carol White) who is the ex wife of Stacey Keach is forced to do a strip in front of the gangsters who are holding her captive. She is even made to choose what music she wants to strip to for their entertainment.

Freddie Starr is excellent as "Teddy" who is a wet nurse to Stacey Keach and does his best to keep him away from the bottle and seedy pubs. The 1970's feel to this film reaches a dramatic climax towards the end when the robbery actually takes place and theres a few twists and turns in store.