It is sometimes forgotten that Britain was facing an unprecedented crime wave at the time this no-frills low budget film was being shot, with record numbers of guns in circulation, and with a large number of deserters from the armed forces on the run. This kind of robbery culminating in murder was becoming a disturbing familiarity to contemporary audiences and the film has a certain gritty realism, including class tensions that play a part in the gang's downfall. A rare starring role for character actor John Harvey, whom in an active career was usually seen on the other side of the law playing various establishment types.
Review of A Gunman Has Escaped
