Adapted by Graham Greene from his own novel, Brighton Rock is a gripping British gangster movie. Set in 1947 in post-war Brighton, the elegant and respectable facade hides a sinister underworld, ruled by intimidation and terror. Richard Attenborough is unforgettable as Pinkie, a ruthless and sadistic young criminal who murders and then marries the only witness to cover his tracks. A trail of killings and double crossings lead to his eventual downfall, when savage justice is finally meted out in a thrilling and memorable climax. viewer's comments: - One of the earliest twist endings? Very clever and brilliantly acted film. The sense of menace comes across despite the censorship of the time. Maybe not the best ever British gangster film (probably Get Carter in my humble opinion), but certainly in the top five. What a revelation (and how unrecognisable they were) to see William Hartnell (best known for the first portrayal of Doctor Who) and Nigel Stock (Dr Watson in 1960s Sherlock Holmes series) as sharply-suited villains. And this film surely has one of the earliest twist-type endings? After reading reviews I was looking out for something when I watched it first. Yet I didn't see it coming! - Excellent film, very underrated This film is excellent. The plot, the acting, the characterisation are superb. Although the occasional use of cockney rhyming slang might confuse American viewers (and even English ones too), the drama and the noirish elements to the film make it a classic. If you thought The Third Man was good, you'll like this. Both Richard Attenborough (who playes "Pinky") and Carol Marsh are superb in their lead roles. "Pinky" in particular makes Harry Lime in the Third Man look like a saint. He is the absolute epitome of callous ruthless evilness. The scene on the pier at the end of the film is just sensational. Apparently, the filmakers changed the ending from that intended by Graham Greene. Would be interesting to see the film with Greene's original intended ending. A very worthy 8 or 9 out of 10. Great stuff! - Pure celluloid genius Every frame, every second of this delicious film is to be savoured. The Boultings' mastery of black and white, their framing and their storytelling are second to none. I struggle to think of a better adaptation of a novel - everything, from the spot-on characterisations to the beautiful twist at the end, are handled with such assurance that it takes your breath away. I've watched this film too many times to mention. If you never have, walk, no run to your nearest retailer and grab yourself a copy. You won't regret it. - That I love you, that I love you, that I love you.... I recently screened a very old, worn 16mm print of this film in our local pub and it went down a storm. Richard Attenborough is screen dynamite as ruthless, petulant Pinkie Brown, the driven, teenage gangster. Carol Marsh also excels as the downtrodden Rose, Pinkie's young bride. Also worthy of a mention is Hermione Baddeley who is a scream as the brash, common Ida Arnold who shrieks like a harpie when supping Gin but has a heart of gold. This is a great creaky, old British film and has a perfect cast. The final scene is especially touching when a technical error prevents poor little Rose from learning the truth about Pinkie's feelings for her. Go see! - That I love you, that I love you, that I love you.... I recently screened a very old, worn 16mm print of this film in our local pub and it went down a storm. Richard Attenborough is screen dynamite as ruthless, petulant Pinkie Brown, the driven, teenage gangster. Carol Marsh also excels as the downtrodden Rose, Pinkie's young bride. Also worthy of a mention is Hermione Baddeley who is a scream as the brash, common Ida Arnold who shrieks like a harpie when supping Gin but has a heart of gold. This is a great creaky, old British film and has a perfect cast. The final scene is especially touching when a technical error prevents poor little Rose from learning the truth about Pinkie's feelings for her. Go see! - Solid British gangster film The story of backstreet crime in Brighton between the two world wars. When small time crook Pinkie kills a newspaper man who helped get one of his gang he finds that the law is closing in on him. Meanwhile he faces pressure from the rival Corleoni gang and tension within his own gang. This is a good British gangster film - it doesn't overdo the British slang and has a good story at it's core. However one thing gives this film it's edge - a ruthless performance by Sir Richard Attleborough as lead villain Pinkie. He has no redeeming qualities at all and is violent and ruthless to all - even those within his own gang. The story is pretty good as Pinkie is hunted down towards the inevitable conclusion. Carol Marsh is good as Rose - the witness Pinkie marries in order to silence. However the only problem with the film is the conclusion. The final shot of the film had the potential to be the final devastating act of a horrible man - instead it is a happy ending for Rose but also offers a form of redemption via love for Pinkie (who is Catholic). This redemption is undeserved and is a poor way to end the film. Other than that this is a classy British gangster film that doesn't rely on clich
