Masterpiece

It could have been written by Graham Greene with its themes of salvation, damnation and redemption and it was directed by Carol Reed, who three years later made the greatest British film of all time, The Third Man. There are strong affinities between the two films - the pristine black and white photography of Robert Krasker, the precise sense of place which both films have - this time it's Belfast rather then Vienna - and the tightly plotted narrative which moves inexorably to its tragic conclusion. There are some great performances : James Mason, who is semi-comatose for most of the film, is subtle,sensitive and dangerously romantic; F.J. McCormick is a brilliant Irish lowlife, deceitful and adorable in equal measure and then there is the monumental presence of Robert Newton - without the booze he could have been a great romantic leading man, a bit like a fleshier James Mason in fact - but in this film he is a massive presence, hammy, glorious and totally without fear in his acting. He fills every frame and provokes huge sympathy without playing for it. This is one of the best acted films of all time - there are a host of Irish character actors in supporting parts, including the great Cyril Cusack and Dan O'Herlihy. This is a genuinely great film - complex, engrossing and visually rich; a film which imprints itself on your imagination.It has to be seen by anybody who claims to be interested in film in general and British cinema in particular.It shows that there was a time when we could make truly great films.