In spite of the fact that there were calls for the film to be banned due to its graphic violence, Brighton Rock was one of 1948’s biggest hits. And it’s a truly chilling performance, as Pinkie kills indiscriminately with his razor-blade, all-the-while romancing sweet, innocent, unsuspecting waitress Rose to save his own skin. Richard Attenborough played the role on stage, then again on film. Graham Greene’s 1938 novel Brighton Rock is the chilling account of a murder committed by psychotic gangster Pinkie, and his efforts to cover the crime up thereafter. Brighton Rock (1948) Brighton Rock features Richard Attenborough's greatest performance. But the film’s reputation has been growing ever since, bringing the dark side of swinging ’60s London to life in away that hadn’t been captured before, and hasn’t been bettered since. And the extreme nature of their debauched relationship resulted in Performance being heavily criticised when it was released. The pair spend chaotic days and nights together, the film filled with sex, drugs and rock n roll. While James Fox is Chas, a gangster who - following a gangland murder - ends up on Turner’s doorstep. Mick Jagger - in his acting debut - plays reclusive rock star Turner. Performance (1970) Mick Jagger and James Fox in Performance.ĭonald Cammell’s Performance is quite possible the weirdest gangster flick, capturing the madness of what happens when the worlds of crime and music collide. A 1992 Night and the City remake relocated to the story to New York, with Robert De Niro playing the lead, but that version lacked the tension and nervous energy that so infused the original. But his efforts to play one off the other go horribly wrong, resulting in Fabian running for his life through the city’s dark underbelly. Wrestling quickly becomes his meal ticket, with Fabian doing deals with both the fighters, and the gangsters who control them. Richard Widmark plays Harry Fabian, an ambitious yank hustling, grifting, scamming and flirting his way across town as he endeavours to make a fast buck. The film revolves around an American, but the setting is very much 1950s London. Night and the City isn’t just a terrific gangster flick, it’s also a sizzling film noir. Night and the City (1950) Richard Widmark, on the edge in Night and the City. What follows is a tale of cross and double-cross as we witness Gangster violently rise through the ranks, which in turn sets him on a deadly collision course with Freddie. Played with chilling malevolence by David Thewlis. Paul Bettany plays the lead - listed simply as ‘ Gangster‘ in the credits - who lands a job working as an enforcer for ‘Butcher of Mayfair’ Freddie Mays. And while the film - adapted from a stage play - isn’t based on a true story, it’s certainly inspired by the London villains of the 1960s. 1 is the most violent movie on our list, making it very probably the most realistic. With Paul Newman pipping him to the post at the Oscars. It’s a tender, sad film, with Bob Hoskins so good in the lead that Mona Lisa won him the BAFTA and Golden Globe for Best Actor. Especially as her boss is played by a bloody terrifying Michael Caine. The pair initially clash, but George starts to fall for Simone, with inevitably disastrous results. Bob Hoskins plays George, an ex-con who takes a gig protecting and driving high-class prostitute Simone (Cathy Tyson) from job-to-job. Mona Lisa is a quieter, more understated entry than the other films on this list. Mona Lisa (1986) Michael Caine and Bob Hoskins in Mona Lisa. But the only movies that came close hitting the same highs were Ritchie’s own Snatch and RocknRolla. It temporarily broke the British film industry, with every other film released in its wake a Lock Stock clone. Nick Moran was the star however, playing a card shark who loses a fortune in a rigged game, and steals from a nearby gang to pay the villain he now owes. The eclectic cast was also key to Lock Stock‘s success, featuring singer Sting, footballer Vinnie Jones, and introducing the world to the unique talents of Jason Statham. His hugely entertaining feature combined crackling dialogue with complex plotting, kinetic camera moves, sharp threads, and a superb soundtrack. Guy Ritchie injected new energy into the then-slumbering British gangster movie with Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels. Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels (1998) Lock, Stock made a star of Vinnie Jones. Featuring tales that are funny, tense, tragic, and pretty much always violent. Featuring films set in London, Brighton, Newcastle and Spain. A countdown of the greatest British gangster movies of all-time.
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