Brighton Rock Reviews

Young scarface

Brighton Rock is a fine examples of British 'noir.' 'Young scarface' (USA title) Pinkie Brown, devoid of redeeming features, is convincingly played by Richard Attenborough.

Opening scenes generate Hitchcockian suspense as Pinkies' gang pursue former member Fred who tries everything to 'protect' himself, including hastily befriending blowsy tart with heart, Ida Arnold aka Badderley. But in true psychopathic fashion, Pinkie casually murders his old mate, then suspects everyone of plotting to turn him in.

Doe-eyed waitress Rose, (Carol Marsh) finds Pinkie dreamy...despite overtly feeble attempts to disguise his true nature. But a wife's testimony is invalid and circumstances make marriage Pinkie's best option. A chilling moment comes after the seventeen year olds wed, when Pinkie condescends to make a phonograph record telling his new bride what she really means to him...

Meanwhile, Ida won't let sleeping dogs lie. She'd developed a soft spot for Pinkie's late pal Fred and is determined to find out what really became of him.

Excellent cinematography and camerawork create Brighton's shadowy side and tattered interiors of 'seen better days' boarding houses and pubs add to the 'dead end,' oppressive atmosphere. Rosary beads tumbling out of Rose's purse on her first date with Pinkie announce the underlying theme of sin and redemption that also underscores the surprise ending.

Despite a few time worn creaks in the plot, Brighton Rock is a compelling, highly stylisied and watchable thriller...

the darkest of dark films

Using the term Film Noir is an understatement for this film. It is the darkest of dark films. That's not to say I didn't like it--I did. But it took some counseling and prozac to be able to say that. Attenborough is fantastic as Pinky. He's worth the price of admission right there.

Old and Slow

Despite its reputation - we found this very slow. Good cast though.

pieriod drama

given its age this movie works well. attenborough is fairly haunting as pinkie, though overall i do not think it does graham greene's book justice. still a necessary watch for lovers of british cinema.

Only my opinion - not deep!

Of its time, unusual film. We did struggle to understand what the actors were saying, but after a while got into it! Great plot.

Brighton Rock

I really enjoyed this film and the characters are great, Richard Attenborough looks impossibly young but is very effective at portraying the menace of a very disturbed youth.

[Highly rated reviewer]

Surprisingly Dark

In the first five minutes of this I could only think that they'd cast all the characters about ten years too old - but five minutes later I realised that they'd hit the tone spot on, and that it was a remarkably faithful adaptation. Richard Attenborough is mainly to thank for this, as he turns in a fantastic performance as Pinkie, the young gang leader. He manages to capture the naivety and paranoia of the character perfectly, as well as the cruelty and sense of disconnection that he has. Kudos to the filmmakers for keeping the dark sinister tone that underlies the story (A slip up at the end being the only exception). All in all Brighton Rock is a fantastic adaptation, and compelling viewing!

A Classic British film

It isn't often that a novel of the quality of Brighton Rock migrates to the silver screen so well. Graham Greene's collaberation on this film shows in this true representation of his dialogue in film.

A masterful performance from the young Richard Attenborough portrays Pinkie's psychopathic and perhaps homosexual character so well. Excellent performances from some English actors such as William Hartnell and Nigel Stock who would have long careers in film and television.

The pace of the storyline never eases and the excellent continuity brings to life the atmosphere of a racing week-end in Brighton. The sharpness of this black and white film is stunning and adds the finishing touch to this film noir

Fred

A Gem of a Period Piece

We watched this for the first time recently because of its reputation for having been Dickie Attenboroughs big break. It is very fast moving for its age and interesting as a historical period piece. Check those threads! Watch out for William Hartnell (Dr Who Mark 1).

A gangster movie set in pre-war Brighton. This is a classic. Excellent story with fine acting - especially by a youthful looking Richard Attenborough.