Tiger Bay

This movie stands out, I think, for not looking studio-bound in any way, unlike most British movies of the era. TIGER BAY is generally filmed very well with a nice blend of close-ups and low angles. It also succeeds in developing a sense of suspense that does not let down until the last few frames.

TIGER BAY is about a sailor, Korchinsky, who returns to Cardiff after being abroad for some months to discover his estranged fiance has been unfaithful in his absence. In a moment of anger, he shoots her dead in her apartment.

Initially unknown to Korchinsky, a young tomboy, Gillie (Mills), who would "rather play with guns and dress up as a gangster" than wear a dress, has witnessed the deed. Mills is almost unrecognisable in her role as the "proper little liar" apart from her full smile of teeth and her undeveloped trademark voice.

Gillie is a young girl who likes playing pranks as part of her good-hearted but cheeky nature. During the entire film, it seems she can never quite full understand or appreciate the devastation of the murder she has witnessed. As an example of her cheekiness, she takes the hidden gun and ammunition to show off to her fellow choristers at a church-wedding!

Korchinsky and Gillie become friendly after the murder and must avoid the authorities together as they both eventually become wanted for their respective parts in the murder - Gillie as a witness to the act, who has taken off with the murder weapon, and Korchinsky as he eventually becomes suspect for the deed itself. At the moment of truth, will Gillie stick up for her new friend?

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

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 ****

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.

I was 2nd Radio Officer aboard the British cargo ship OSWESTRY GRANGE, which sailed regularly between the UK and the River Plate, from June 1958 until February 1959. At the beginning of October 1958, we were in Avonmouth (Bristol), when the "Tiger Bay" cast and crew came aboard to film the dock scenes, which were supposed to be in Barry. The ship's name was over-painted with the name LA PALOMA, and the white Maltese Cross on the funnel was transformed into a white square. When we sailed, we had to have our correct ship's name painted on boards, which were suspended over the bows, and only removed when filming was taking place. Our unique funnel must have caused a lot of puzzlement aboard other ships.

We then sailed up and down the Bristol Channel for a few days, while the filming of John Mills' arrival and boarding from the pilot boat, as well as the chase and jump involving the Hayley Mills character, took place. The jump was performed by a stunt woman, who was very much bigger than Hayley. It was a cold day, and the Bristol Channel looked very uninviting, but the stunt girl was cheerful and unperturbed. Fortunately for her, only one take was needed! The film people, including John and Hayley Mills, were very friendly. Of course, we had no idea what it was all about.

I didn't manage to see the film until I was serving with the Zim Israel line, when it was shown in a cinema on Mount Carmel in Haifa in June 1960. I'd expected to see myself in the scene where the ship was leaving Barry docks (i.e., Avonmouth), but I'd ended up on the cutting room floor.

I now have the film on DVD, and love re-watching it, because it's a really good film, with an amazing performance by Hayley Mills, and also, of course, because I can see my old ship again, and recall my youth and those fascinating days with the cast and crew.