Amazing - at under an hour this movie is a gritty noir but also
encompasses the later kitchen sink cycle. It wasn't well received at
the time but now looks a top drama. Bryan Forbes (later a champion
director) plays Ted, a frequenter of dance halls, with loud ties and
greasy hair, has fallen for singer Lucky Price who he thinks is headed
for the "big time" - so does she but instead the night finds them running
from a ruckus. In desperation he turns to his more dependable brother
Johnny and the rest of the movie is played out amidst a run down garage.
Usually used to seeing Patric Doonan as cowardly thugs and never in a
part that propels the story. He is sensitive Johnny who not only has to
look out for his wayward brother but manage the garage for his infirm
and demanding father. He sees the women in Ted's life very much like
their mother whose drunken behaviour made life hellish at home for
the boys.
Ted comes home with Lucky - he is desperate to get away, his dream is
to open a pub, only his old man, bedridden but clinging to life and his
gambling debts stand in his way!! Lucky initially impresses as drunk and
rude but finds herself drawn to the belligerent Johnny who in turn finds
that underneath she is just a lonely girl. All characters have depth - even
Ted is damaged because of his mother, their tough and resilient exterior
hides sensitivity. Even the unseen father with his weekly visits to the bank
is unable to adjust to his bad health and post war conditions. Lucky and
Johnny go to the movies and leave a shattered Ted doing night duty at the
garage with his father's constant bangings pushing him to desperation!!
Blonde bombshell Sandra Dorne was Britain's "B" movie answer to
Marilyn Monroe, pouty and often sulky - you always remember her even
though the movies were often quickies. Temple Abady who worked on
As and Bs as well as the London Philharmonic was responsible for the
pulsating score!!
Very recommended.
