Les yeux du témoin

When a sailor discovers his girlfriend has dumped him while he's been away, they argue, she pulls a gun, he gets it away from her, and then shoots her several times. A streetwise British girl from Cardiff, who does nothing but lie and cause trouble, is the only witness. She eventually befriends the Polish sailor and helps him hide. What could've been a cloying story--even perverse--is handled with impeccable taste and turned into a very moving, human tale. Cinematographer Eric Cross and his camera obviously adore Hayley Mills' 12-year-old face (her round, inquisitive eyes in particular); the scene-stealer is shown off to an incredible advantage in her acting debut. Real-life papa John Mills (as the investigator of the murder) and Horst Buchholz are also fine. An intriguing, absorbing film, though with a somewhat padded conclusion. *** from ****

I saw this movie on television as a child. After almost 40 years, it still stays in my mind, and I can, even now, remember certain scenes, especially the ending. To me, this is what movies are all about. I don't own a DVD player and, unfortunately, this movie seems to be available only on DVD. Ah well, I suppose I'll have to buy a DVD player soon. Give yourself a rare treat and watch this movie. I guarantee you'll be moved. You may even find yourself with a tear in your eye.

Tiger Bay was a great movie for a number of reasons. I will admit the kid and the killer plot is very familiar territory, and while the film offers very little new it is still a remarkable and I think underrated movie. The best element was the truly terrific debut performance of Hayley Mills. Quite frankly, her performance is one of the greatest child performances ever, that's how good it was. The plot about a young girl befriending a murderous sailor and her attempts to hinder the detective's investigation is still suspenseful and clever, and still manages to be intriguing in the slower moments. The cinematography is fabulous, and perfectly captures the sights of the Cardiff docklands and of Hayley's photogenic face. Also J Lee Thompson is a fine director of children, and directs Hayley with care and precision. Even more remarkable is the credible characters and the supporting acting of Hayley's father the wonderful John Mills and Horst Buchholz. All in all, a very good movie. 9/10 Bethany Cox

Tiger Bay is the first picture of famous child star Hayley Mills. Daughter of John Mills, who also costars in this film about love, murder and unlikely friendship. Hayley Mills play a rebelious girl who lives with her poor aunt in a cheap housing block. She witnesses a murder in an adjoining flat. After initially running from the murderer, he catches her and she forms an unlikely friendship with him. Subsequently she lies to protect him and some fascinating drama ensues. John Mills plays a policeman on the crime case. Hayley Mills steals the show and is absolutely fantastic. John Mills is great as well, he's still alive believe it or not, in his mid 90's now I think. Lots of tension, drama, and plenty of chase scenes. If you like this you might want to check out 'Whistle Down The Wind' another Hayley Mills classic. I give this one 4 stars out of 5.

There were plenty of British crime thrillers about at that time. They were pretty black and white not only in photography. Here we have one that strikes out on its own. Here the differences between good and bad are blurred. Indeed towards the end, we find ourselves hoping that the Polish sailor gets clean away.

Unusually for a crime thriller, we have some pretty good acting from the two central characters, one of them a child, played by the daughter of John Mills (who plays a detective). German actor Horst Bucholz plays the part of the Pole.

The setting is Cardiff, and some of the street types are pretty good, and very atmospheric.

At a time when Britain was turning out some pretty rotten stuff, this is a film that is very watchable, quite well written and well acted.