Turn The Key Softly

This is an interesting example of British film drama in the years between the end of the Second World War and the new wave films of the late fifties/early sixties, combining the social realism which was to come in its story line of three women resuming their lives after a prison sentence with a sentimentality which later films would expunge. The social classes are clearly delineated, from the impeccably middle clas Yvonne Mitchell to elderly working class salt of the earth Katherine Harrison, with Joan Collins in between as representative of a younger generation for whom, as her character says, 'take anything that's going' is the philosophy. It's well made, with much of it shot on London streets, and this is a very well restored print. Unfortunately, it loses its way, and the last half an hour or so is taken up with a crime and the resulting police chase, a presumably populist move only matched by the fate of the cute dog - you'll see what I mean.

A good bit of social history, portraying the era of fifty odd years ago. Good set of three characters from different backgrounds and social status. A definite one to watch for Black and White film lovers. Kept your attention all the way through with a quite sad ending. Much recommended.