Les folles nuits de Sammy Lee

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.

This film portrays exactly how it was in Soho in the sixties and having worked in Soho during that period i can easily identify with the streets and establishments shown throughout the film . The story of this film is so credible , as , from experience , the plot defines exactly how it was around that time . I do know that it was precisely what used to happen in the sixties and later . What a treat to see the actual environment for what it was and not to be limited to studio scenery . Newley is at his brilliant best here and is the ideal candidate for this type of role. Wilfrid Brambell also shows his talents as a straight actor in this film although many people only associate him with comedy roles . Wilfrid really shines as Sammy's errand boy here , what a pity we haven't seen him in more 'straight' roles over the years . Poor Julia Foster , she also plays a blinder in this one too . She is so smitten with Sammy and refuses to admit that there cannot be any future between them as they really have completely different lifestyles . All in all , i think this film is so true to life that the Producer really does deserve an award , not only for the storyline but for casting the correct actors to portray the right roles in this.

Anthony Newley is at the top of his game here as the eponymous nightclub host who is way past his best. His lame one-liners have long since stopped engaging his dwindling number of punters who now only show up for a cheap drink and a eyeful. His on stage failures are not his only worries. He couldn't pick a winner in an one-horse race and is in hock to his bookie for money he can never hope to raise, and they are not about to let him off. He is also in love - but even that's complicated with "Patsy" (Julia Foster) being embroiled in the business he shares with the odious and sleazy "Gerry" (Robert Stephens). There's a who's who of solid supporting British characters here that help depict a Soho, now long gone, that did deserve it's nickname as a square mile of vice and depravity. Wilfred Brambles, Warren Mitchell and Roy Kinnear all add a gritty richness to the poignant adaptation of his BBC play by auteur Ken Hughes and it's clear from early on that an happy ending - for anyone - is most unlikely. Hughes conveys the seediness and the ghastliness cleverly. There's virtually nothing graphic, or even especially violent - here. That's all left to our imagination and to the gradually increasing sense that "Sammy Lee" has seen his finest hour. He just has to hope it's not soon to be his last. I didn't always like the Newley brand of Londoner, but in this he delivers engagingly and I almost felt sorry for him at times!

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.

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.