BRIGHTON ROCK (uk dvd)
richard attenborough | boulting brothers

plot
Just after the war in the English sea-side resort of Brighton, Richard Attenborough stars as Pinkie, a ruthless, sadistic young criminal, who murders a man, and then marries the only possible witness to cover his tracks. The lead up to a thrilling climax is covered in double-crossings, and further killings...

dvd review

story
Oh, they don't make 'em like this any more do they?

This Boulting Brothers classic, is one of the most highly regarded British thrillers of the post-war period. Available on VHS for some time, the dvd, whilst presenting nothing in the way of extras, at only a couple of quid more than the video, is a welcome addition to any collection.

John Boulting's direction is on form here, managing to create some effective set-pieces and real suspence as we meander through a series of underhand deals, mob conflicts and personal conflict. Richard Attenborough is the fresh-faced villan holding together an unruly mob, faced with extermination by the classy rival Italian businessman, Corlioni. Whilst oozing presence, and sex appeal (what Dickie Attenborough with sex appeal you cry!), he also presents himself well, as a devious, spoilt school-boy playing out of his league.
Carol Marsh (Dracula, 1958) is a delightful waitress, who sees the victim of Pinkie's murderous attack, and falls for the criminal. Marsh performs well, combining innocence and duty, torn between her own religious guilt and defending the man she loves. Her marriage of convenience delights her, and she settles well, despite the poverty under which she seems to live.
The rest of the cast give well rounded character portraits, with Hermione Baddeley the over-bearing and irritating show-girl who meets the murdered man, and then attempts her own investigation into the truth.
Aside from that comes an appearance from William Hartnell (tv's first Doctor Who), playing the hard-edged criminal-type for which he was so deservedly famous. Its a peculiar characterisation, with a soft streak. This is long before his bumbling, and highly enjoyable too.

The post-war climate is in evidence, though the dating of the film is a little confusing (the paper seen in the opening moments reads 1935, these events presumably happen much much later). This is a Britain of a bygone age - of simplicity, of rationing, and of standing together to defeat a common enemy - here Pinkie. His ruthless disposing of his enemies, and manipulation of events must find its echoes in the recent events of the second world war.

Production values are excellent, with clever use of the small sets, and attention to detail. From the decadence of the mob HQ, to the opulance of the local hotel, and the superb sequence on the race-course. The look is very much of a thriller, with shadows omni-present, and safety impossible to find in the dark (despite attempts to hide himself away, light always seems to creep into Pinkie's world -even at the climax). Use of cross-cuts add tension in just the right places, and a couple of hand-held camera scenes add a documentary edge to the frantic goings-on.

In fact, it is only in the last couple of moments, when the post-script is added to events, that the film lets itself down, with an unforeseen, and awkward moment of sympathy and sentimentality. A moment though, which finds itself an echo early on in the courtship of Pinkie and Marsh's Rose - religious belief coming to the fore, and ultimately adding to the destruction of the conspiracy.

A hard-edged, multi-faceted thriller, which truly was from the golden edge of British film-making.

transfer
The transfer itself is in 1.33:1 fullscreen. Nicely framed, though perhaps a little cropped, as some lettering just vanishes off the right hand side of the frame - so probably a little too tight. However, despite the crackles and dirt evident on the print and on the soundtrack, the picture itself has been beautifully transferred. Very sharp, and intense, with no problems at all with the blacks on the print. Superb, and well worth the asking price.

Sound meanwhile is presented in a simple mono track. Crackles and hiss are evident, but the film is 55 years old, and we can't expect more than this.

extras
There are no extras, which is a shame. A trailer even, or small interview piece with the likes of Attenborough would have really lifted the dvd. As it is, there is a scene-selection option, and no subtitles. A bare-bones package (for once, we mean it!), though an excellent feature.

SUMMARY
Superb film. Gritty, sinister, dark, menacing and a lot more beside. Brighton Rock stands as a testament to everything that is great about British film-making. A model feature, combinging an enchanting thriller with the post-war anxiety about a society that could no longer trust anyone. Paranoia, and enemies amongst friends are the order of the day, leading up to an exciting climax in the idyllic holiday destination of Brighton. Essential viewing.

RJES

PURCHASE R2 DVD AT Blackstar

DISC:
Release Date: September 16th 2002

Feature length: 88 mins
Colour Black&White Pal
Year of 1st release: 1947
Rating: PG
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 fullscreen
Audio: Mono
Chapters: 20
Region code: 2
Catalogue no: 39038
Distributor: Warner Home Video / Studio Canal
Price: £12.99
Director: John Boulting

SPECIAL FEATURES:
* Scene Selection