All Coppers Are...

I really can't recommend this movie, Sat through it in an early morning bout of insomnia, Set/Made in a working class district of London in the late 60s early seventies., The plot consists of the two men vying for the affections of a an attractive young lady living in a council flat. One a rather obnoxious crim type (I suspect he's meant to be a ladies man but the rather dated attitudes make him seem a sleaze) and one a copper (married as well). I think the film was trying to say something about class relations, male/female relationship etc etc, and while the acting is adequate the stodgy plot never raises it above the mediocre. Pluses are the sixties feel and location that is like a little window to a vanished world & lots of street scenes of London at this time, I think the large power station which dominates the area where the characters live is now a modern art gallery.

All Coppers Are isn't exactly a classic - but it's definitely a product of its time. Produced by 'Carry on' Peter Rogers (with a music score from Gerald Thomas), it's another attempt by them to branch out into something grittier and more realistic - hot on the heels of the movies 'Assault' & 'Revenge' over the previous couple of years.

It has an interesting cast, and lots of good period location filming around Battersea - but in some ways this is the most interesting part of the film. It starts off brightly enough as we get to know the characters, and the story involving a young copper and a petty criminal both vying for the charms of the same girl (played by Julia Foster) sounds promising.

The problem seems to lie with the enforced 'grittiness' - it never really feels authentic, and is more like a parody of working class London at that time. It comes across as a little stilted, and doesn't have the same beating heart at its centre as similar 'kitchen sink' films from previous years (such as 'Alfie'). The story ultimately doesn't seem to reach a satisfying conclusion, send out any particular moral message, or leave any lasting impression.

Having said that, there's still plenty to enjoy if you're a fan of early 70s Brit-movies - it's lovely to see a working Battersea power station in the background of a few scenes, and the cast do their best to liven up quite a thin script.

It's very much a period piece - not the worst of its genre, but far from being the best... it's a fair cop.

This is a film that doesn't quite work. It's overall feel is that of being a film that, with a little bit more time and a bit more money it could have been a gritty, real to life, classic in a 'Get Carter' (made the next year) mould.

It seems to have genuine characters who are believable and a story that builds interestingly although you feel you know the outcome of each scene. Its' problem is that, in places, it comes across as done on the cheap - the demo scenes (although not lacking impact), and the couple watching Rangers v Celtic on English telly. Also, importantly, where 'Get Carter had Michael Caine this film has Martin Potter who doesn't quite work and was possibly chosen for his good looks over his acting skills.

There are many good parts of 'All Copper Are...' and the story is a good one. Perhaps, if the film had completed the sentence for its title and gone for a AA or X certificate rather than a 12 it might have worked better.

Julie Foster shines. He natural acting stands out and hers is a memorable performance despite been given a script a script that is stodgy in parts.

There are some hard hitting moments.some interesting messages trying to get out and the film is a good look at the life and times of the early 70s which I just about remember. Unfortunately, the bad parts of the film dilute the messages, negate the force of film and it ends up seeming more dated and less relevant than it should,

All Coppers Are .1972, gritty love triangle between a cop, a villain and a girl , the girl played by Julia Foster falls for married policeman, he feels the same but can't leave his wife, villain played by Nicky Henson is a fun outgoing Jack the lad with no responsibility. He's about to get involved in a big robbery hoping to join the big league. It's a gritty time capsule of the early 70s. Guess what happens? Without giving away any spoilers it does leave you dangling, which is pretty annoying.

Enjoyable 6/10.

All coppers are has a lot going for it. Set in gritty London of the 70s. Its the story of 2 men on opposing sides of the law. It features a strong cast and even a fresh faced David Essex. But the it tends to lack the courage of its convictions. Where the story should have been at its strongest the makers seemed to have lacked the courage to carry it through. Also most of the characters are very unsympathetic. The film does have its moments but it could have been so much better.