O Pior dos Pecados

I hope this film is remembered for all time as it is an incredible piece of film-making. Excellent script, suspense and a wonderful performance by Richard Attenborough as the ruthless and emotionless gang leader Pinky.

Despite Brighton being known for its family orientated beaches, entertainment and pier, we see a very dark and disturbing side to this relaxed holiday town. There is a sinister feel throughout and is shot and edited very well. It was a bit hard to understand some of the dialogue at times but this did not matter as it captivates and draws you in for the duration.

I recommend it highly.

A sublime performance by Richard Attenborough as Pinkie Brown is the cherry on the cake in this fantastic adaptation of Graham Green's novel. Attenborough's chilling performance is in my opinion his best ever. Hermione Baddeley plays Ida Arnold exceptionally but sadly does not receive the recognition she deserves as she is out shone by Attenborough. The film is a disturbing insight into the Brighton's gangs that nobody wants to talk about. The film has that subtle edge that only black and white movies can and there is a classic twist at the end. This is a must for anybody who loves black and white movies and will have you on the edge of your seat. If you haven't seen this movie then make a point to do so you won't be disappointed.

I recently screened a very old, worn 16mm print of this film in our local pub and it went down a storm.

Richard Attenborough is screen dynamite as ruthless, petulant Pinkie Brown, the driven, teenage gangster. Carol Marsh also excels as the downtrodden Rose, Pinkie's young bride. Also worthy of a mention is Hermione Baddeley who is a scream as the brash, common Ida Arnold who shrieks like a harpie when supping Gin but has a heart of gold.

This is a great creaky, old British film and has a perfect cast. The final scene is especially touching when a technical error prevents poor little Rose from learning the truth about Pinkie's feelings for her.

Go see!

Very strong thriller from the Boulting brothers with a cracking performance from Dickie Attenborough as the starey-eyed Pinkie, and William Hartnell looking young(ish) and spry as his friend, henchman and conscience Dallow. Lacking some of the book's depth and darkness, but staying surprisingly faithful to many important plot points, the pace is electric and the players all excellent. The sticky squalor and roughness of the town and the time are vividly realised, and Pinkie is about as bad as they come. One of the great British thrillers, and for those familiar with the book, check out the sweet, ingenious ending.

I just saw this picture courtesy of a local rental store which has a number of Btitish films otherwise not available. Wow!

Absolutely excellent in all departments. Attenborough gives a standout performance as Pinky and is surrounded by a sterling cast working at the same high level. The film is beautifully photographed in a way which gives texture to the story and reality to the characters. This must be one of the top British films of the Forties and can stand beside anything Hollywood was doing at the time (or any time for that matter.)

The script is credited to Graham Greene (based on his Novel) and, the unlikely seeming, Terence Rattigan (Separate Tables, Winslow Boy et al). Without knowing who contributed what to the final screenplay, I can say that it is a beautiful and coherent piece of work that has character development as well as terse and atmospheric dialog that keeps the viewer engrossed and the tension high.

Recommended (especially to fans of film noir)