They are not quite Cain and Abel, but these step brothers find themselves tied together even though they do not share any blood. It's a nice opportunity to see the future British directing legend Bryan Forbes in an acting role, playing the wild spirited owner of a garage whose involvement with Sandra Dorne causes him to become involved in a life of crime, having brought her home drunk one night and coming into conflict with his more sensible older step-brother Patrick Doonan who isn't amused by Dorne's drunken pass. Surprisingly, unlike other floozies in films, Dorne shows regret over the previous night's activities, and her feelings for one brother changes to the other. Desperate to impress her, Forbes becomes involved in criminal activities, turning to their unseen father when he needs money. All you see of the bedridden man is an imperious hand pounding a cane with a skeleton handle at the top as Forbes makes his demands.
It's obvious that the father has a controlling influence over him, but as a result of this confrontation, has a heart attack that proved to be fatal. Desperation sets in for Forbes while the law, along with Doonan, closes in on him. A very somber and fortunately short film, it does provide some well-written character development for the two brothers, particularly Forbes. Dorne initially comes off as a one-dimensional street tramp with her trashy manners oh, so it's nice to see her change that demeanor when she sobers up. Usually characters like this in British films make a pass at the wrong man and end up dead, but the writers for the audience by giving her this different dimension. It's an interesting film, okay as written, but a bit dour in mood.
It's obvious that the father has a controlling influence over him, but as a result of this confrontation, has a heart attack that proved to be fatal. Desperation sets in for Forbes while the law, along with Doonan, closes in on him. A very somber and fortunately short film, it does provide some well-written character development for the two brothers, particularly Forbes. Dorne initially comes off as a one-dimensional street tramp with her trashy manners oh, so it's nice to see her change that demeanor when she sobers up. Usually characters like this in British films make a pass at the wrong man and end up dead, but the writers for the audience by giving her this different dimension. It's an interesting film, okay as written, but a bit dour in mood.