Les folles nuits de Sammy Lee

I was engaged by the U.S. Distributor, Seven Arts Films, to produce a trailer for the film. Notwithstanding that both the film and my trailer were quite good, it did not enjoy good box office. Seven arts changed the title to "The Small VIOLENT World of Sammy Lee", had me do a new, more action oriented trailer, and they rereleased it under that title. It did somewhat better in that incarnation, but was still not the blockbuster they had hoped it would be.

As an additional aside, in addition to the BBC t.v. play, there was a U.S. version of the television show, as well. If memory serves, it starred Mickey Rooney.

Made and released in 1963, this film gave Newley a real meaty role instead of the light comedy, musical roles he was usually cast in. The original BBC play was a one man, one scene event, but the full Soho, London locations gave the film a more murky, underworld feel and you really felt for Sammy Lee, although you realised he was his own worst enemy! Beautifully photographed in black and white, atmospheric and with Newley at his acting best. Well worth a viewing. Excellent support from Wilfred Brambell (Steptoe) as Newley/Sammy's dresser, and Julia Foster putting in a suitable innocent performance as the love interest who has fallen for Sammy's charms (lies).

I remember the Soho shown here so well.I used to walk through Soho on the way to the cinema.It has changed so much since this film was made.Newley gives a marvellous performance as the huckster trying to raise what would now be £5500 to pay his gambling debt or face a beating.Soho was in the grip of gangsters at this time and Could be a violent place The camerawork was superb.You get the impression that Newley is being filmed from a hidden camera.Probably his best role.

I recently watched this movie in a newly made print with German subtitles during an Austrian film festival which showed a retrospective of the work of Wolf Suschitzky, the D.O.P. of this movie. Though 95 years old, he was present and I asked him afterward about the superb quality of the picture with "the blacks as real blacks and the whites glaringly white". It was probably shot with English Ilford stock of low sensitivity. Suschitzky pointed out that the most important thing is the quality of the print material and how experienced labs can handle this. I recommend this movie for anyone seriously interested in black and white film work and for getting moody, well-lit images in a real naturalistic location. Suschitzky tried to avoid bare grays so the grain won't show and even under night conditions there are parts overexposed and therefore white. Overall this movie has a great speed made-up of daring images, a superb jazz soundtrack and fast editing. Fortunately, it doesn't have a hand-held look, every image is carefully lit and composed. It is an enjoyable journey into the live of a very nervous and hasty man who doesn't seem to get anything right and instead is digging into trouble deeper and deeper. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to be available on DVD right now so watch out for the cinema experience.

The film offers a raw, gritty portrayal of the seedy underbelly of London's nightlife, with a strong emphasis on the desperation and fear that pervades Sammy's life.

The film's greatest strength lies in its portrayal of Sammy Lee, brought to life by a stunning performance from actor Anthony Newley. Newley's portrayal of Sammy is nothing short of mesmerizing, perfectly capturing the character's nervous energy, fear, and desperation. He manages to convey a great deal of emotion with just a single glance, making Sammy an incredibly compelling character to watch.

The film's script is equally impressive, painting a vivid picture of London's seedy underworld in the early 1960s. The dialogue crackles with energy and wit, with plenty of memorable one-liners and clever turns of phrase. The film also manages to tackle some weighty themes, including the nature of masculinity and the corrosive effects of debt and desperation.

The film's visuals are also worth noting. The cinematography is striking, with a strong emphasis on mood and atmosphere. The camera often lingers on close-ups of Sammy's face, allowing the audience to fully experience his fear and anxiety. The film's use of light and shadow is also particularly effective, creating a sense of foreboding that permeates throughout the film.

Overall, The Small World of Sammy Lee is a must-see film for fans of British cinema. Its gritty portrayal of London's nightlife is still as powerful today as it was when the film was first released nearly 60 years ago. The film's themes of desperation and fear are universal and timeless, making it a film that still resonates with audiences today.

One of the most impressive aspects of the film is its ability to create a fully realized world that feels authentic and lived-in. The film's setting of Soho, London is lovingly recreated, with a great deal of attention paid to the details of the time period. From the seedy nightclubs to the bustling streets, the film's world feels fully realized and immersive.

The film also benefits from a strong supporting cast, including Warren Mitchell as the ruthless gangster who holds Sammy's debt, and Julia Foster as Patsy, Sammy's former girlfriend who still cares for him despite his flaws. These performances add depth and nuance to the film's world, making it feel even more fully realized.

While the film is certainly a product of its time, with some elements that may feel dated to modern audiences, it remains a powerful and compelling work of cinema. Its themes of desperation, fear, and masculinity are timeless, and its portrayal of London's nightlife is both striking and authentic. The film's ending, which I won't spoil here, is particularly powerful, offering a poignant commentary on the nature of regret and the fleeting nature of life itself.

In conclusion, The Small World of Sammy Lee is a masterpiece of British cinema that still holds up remarkably well nearly 60 years after its initial release. Its portrayal of London's nightlife is both authentic and immersive, and Anthony Newley's performance as Sammy Lee is nothing short of mesmerizing. If you're a fan of British cinema, or simply a fan of powerful character-driven dramas, then this is a film that you simply can't miss.