Based probably on the real life villains, THE KRAYS, who at the time were still at large. Richard Burton wanted to do the role both because it was as far from anything else he'd done and because he played a gay small time criminal. Though gay is the last word you'd use to describe his character in the film. It's tough realistic crime film, in the same league as, though of course not the commercial success that the later film THE LONG GOOD Friday would be.
Burton is excellent, totally realistic, frightened and frightening. The on location filming is well done the supporting cast also on target. It is not an amped up gangster film, though there is plenty of violence and a smattering of nudity it all serves to convince you of the real world of crime in the London of 1970. It was shot in 2:35 so full frame videotapes, the only way to see it, crop the image, but though you're missing something it's worth seeing anyway you can. It has the sparse use of music and realistic tough language that made all 70's cinema real and fresh at the time, though it ages very well.
One of Burton's best performances, award caliber stuff, but too strong for critics of the day as a film. For Burton fans it's a must see as it is for Film Noir buffs. Seek it out.
Burton is excellent, totally realistic, frightened and frightening. The on location filming is well done the supporting cast also on target. It is not an amped up gangster film, though there is plenty of violence and a smattering of nudity it all serves to convince you of the real world of crime in the London of 1970. It was shot in 2:35 so full frame videotapes, the only way to see it, crop the image, but though you're missing something it's worth seeing anyway you can. It has the sparse use of music and realistic tough language that made all 70's cinema real and fresh at the time, though it ages very well.
One of Burton's best performances, award caliber stuff, but too strong for critics of the day as a film. For Burton fans it's a must see as it is for Film Noir buffs. Seek it out.