Unknown cast but very much out of line with the rather limp fare of the era - presumably due to precautionary caution of the director or producer - the violence is graphic even when off-camera. With its BBC radio "police announcement" seeking witnesses to the crime, it conjures up a time when gun crime was comparatively rare and all the more shocking - and the certainty of the rope the grim reward. The track in to the gangster moll's face - watchful with a slight smile - as someone is beaten and probably killed just off camera was a surprising escapee from the censor's scissors. Not remotely in the same class as Brighton Rock but it's equally shocking.
Thank you to Talking Pictures for showing it.
Thank you to Talking Pictures for showing it.