Brighton Rock (1947)

Director:

John Boulting

Writers:

Graham Greene (novel)
Graham Greene (screenplay)

Release Date:

December 1947 (UK)

Genre:

Crime | Drama | Film-Noir | Thriller

Plot:

Pinkie Brown (Richard Attenborough) is a small town hoodlum who's gang run a protection racket based at Brighton race course...

Plot Keywords:

Seaside | British Noir | Psychopath | Gang | Sadism

Cast

Richard Attenborough	...	Pinkie Brown
Carol Marsh	...	Rose Brown
Hermione Baddeley	...	Ida Arnold
William Hartnell	...	Dallow, henchman
Nigel Stock	...	Cubit, henchman
Wylie Watson	...	Spicer, henchman
Alan Wheatley	...	Fred Hale, alias Kolly Kibber
Harcourt Williams	...	Lawyer Prewitt
George Carney	...	Phil Corkery
Victoria Winter	...	Judy, gang moll
Reginald Purdell	...	Frank, blind gang member
Campbell Copelin	...	Police Inspector
Charles Goldner	...	Colleoni
Marianne Stone	...	Lazy Waitress (as Mary Stone)
Harry Ross	...	Bill Brewer

Also Known As:

Young Scarface (USA)

Runtime:

92 min

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Iceland:16 | Norway:16 (1948) | Sweden:(Banned) (1947-1957) | Sweden:15 | UK:A (original rating) | UK:PG (video rating) (1991) | UK:PG (re-rating) (1994) | Australia:PG

Filming Locations:

Brighton Pavilion, Brighton, East Sussex, England, UK

Company:

Charter Film Productions

Trivia:

The film was meant to end with Rose listening the poisonous recording made by Pinkie, which contained the line, "You said you wanted to know how I feel; well, here it is: What you want me to say is 'I love you'. The truth is I hate you, you little slut..." However, this ending was vetoed by the British Board of Film Censors, who made the film-makers shoot a happy ending. In this version, the film ends with the record getting stuck and repeating the phrase "I love you..." The camera then tilts up to a crucifix, suggesting Pinkie's salvation.

Quotes:

Mother Superior: [while comforting Rose after Pinkie's death] You or I cannot fathom the appalling strangeness of the mercy of God.

Movie Connections:

Featured in Empire of the Censors (1995) (TV)

Top notch gangster film British style

I hope this film is remembered for all time as it is an incredible piece of film-making. Excellent script, suspense and a wonderful performance by Richard Attenborough as the ruthless and emotionless gang leader Pinky.

Despite Brighton being known for its family orientated beaches, entertainment and pier, we see a very dark and disturbing side to this relaxed holiday town. There is a sinister feel throughout and is shot and edited very well. It was a bit hard to understand some of the dialogue at times but this did not matter as it captivates and draws you in for the duration.

I recommend it highly.