Tied for the best movie I have ever seen

An absolute waste of money

Great movie! If you want to be entertained and have a few good laughs, see this movie. The music is also very good,

One of the film's great tricks is that, for a time, you think it will go down a rabbit hole of unrealistic glorification.

This movie is famous for the tough and uncompromising way in which it depicts the types of gangsterism that were prevalent in Brighton in the period between the two world wars. Based on Graham Greene's classic novel of the same name, "Brighton Rock" is a story about revenge, murder and Catholic guilt but most of all; it's about a troubled young gang leader and the action he takes to deal with a series of problems. Threats that emanate from the existence of a more powerful rival gang, dissent within his own gang and a potential witness whose evidence could get him executed are just a few of his concerns but then as a Roman Catholic, he's also sharply aware of where his violent journey is taking him and tormented by his inability to change course.Pinkie Brown (Richard Attenborough) is the new leader of a small gang whose original leader (William Kite) was killed following the publication of a newspaper article written by journalist Fred Hale (Alan Wheatley). One of the gang recognises Hale's picture in "The Daily Messenger" in a section that advertises a promotion that the paper is due to carry out in Brighton in the next few days in which Hale, operating under the name Kolley Kibber, will be handing out cash prizes to people who recognise him. When this piece of information is drawn to the attention of Pinkie, he becomes determined to take revenge on Hale for bringing about the death of the only person he really cared about.During the gang's pursuit of Hale through the streets and pubs of Brighton, the terrified journalist tries to befriend some women including a seaside entertainer called Ida Arnold (Hermione Baddeley) in the hope that being in their company might offer him some protection. Eventually, however, he tries to keep out of sight on a ghost train but is horrified to suddenly find Pinkie sitting next to him. By the time the train reaches the end of its journey, it's carrying one passenger less than it started with and Hale's body is washed up on the shore some hours later.As part of his promotional work, Hale had distributed a number of cards around the resort and in an effort to provide himself with an alibi for the time of the murder, Pinkie arranges for gang member Spicer (Wylie Watson) to carry on delivering the Kolley Kibber cards after Hale's death. Pinkie is later alarmed to discover that Spicer had left a card at a local café and becomes very anxious about the possible consequences if he was seen doing so. In order to try to safeguard himself, Pinkie goes to the café and befriends a young waitress called Rose (Carol Marsh) who has a very clear memory of the man who left the card at one of her tables.Ida Arnold is very suspicious about the circumstances surrounding Hale's death and becomes determined to see that the culprit is brought to justice. Pinkie's continuing efforts to cover up his crime lead to him killing Spicer and marrying Rose to ensure that, as his wife, she won't be able to give evidence against him. Things continue to get more difficult for Pinkie for a variety of reasons and lead him to decide that another killing is necessary but the events that follow don't pan out as he'd planned.As well as being notable for its realism, "Brighton Rock" also features a collection of memorable characters, top class dialogue and some superb expressionistic cinematography that contributes so much to the grim atmosphere of the piece. Inevitably though, it's the character Pinkie Brown and Richard Attenborough's amazing performance that leaves the most indelible impression on anyone who's seen this film. The very young Attenborough is perfect as the ruthless 17-year-old psychopath whose belief in the existence of Hell is incredibly strong and the contribution of the supporting cast is also consistently good.

Brighton Rock is directed by John Boulting and written by Graham Greene (also 1938 novel) and Terence Rattigan. Produced by Roy Boulting, it stars Richard Attenborough, Carol Marsh, William Hartnell, Hermione Baddeley, Harcourt Williams and Wylie Watson. Music is scored by Hans May and cinematography is by Harry Waxman. Plot finds Attenborough as small time Brighton hoodlum Pinkie Brown, whose attempts to cover up a murder sees events spiral out of control for himself and those closest to him.1947 was a good year for tough, gritty British drama, in fact it was a key year in the progression of British cinema. It was the year that would see the release of They Made Me A Fugitive, It Always Rains On Sunday, Odd Man Out and Brighton Rock. The latter film, arguably the one that looks the most dated, is the one that shocked the most upon its release. Refreshing, then, to find that in spite of the aged edges of the narrative frame, it still today has a power, a bleakness, that justifies the classic status afforded it. Part seedy seaside noir, part character driven observation on Catholic guilt and torment, Brighton Rock overcomes some slight old time technical flaws to thrive on thematic potency and a tense narrative.Many authors find their respective work losing impetus during the translation to the big screen, Graham Greene is one who hasn't had to suffer in that department. Key issue for those adapting his work is to understand the characterisations at work, thankfully the Boulting brothers grasp that Pinkie Brown, surely one of Greene's greatest creations, has a complexity that needs him front and centre of the brewing maelstrom. The plot then tumbles out around him, as the seedy underbelly of Brighton's everyday life is exposed. The casting of Attenborough as Pinkie was a masterstroke, fresh faced and wide eyed, Attenborough plays it as coiled spring like, his psychosis troubling and ready to explode at any given moment. His cold hearted relationship with the homely, desperate for love, Rose (Marsh), is utterly disturbing, and it's that relationship that underpins the story.Story is set amongst two sides of Brighton, one side is sunny, full of lights, fun-fairs and candy floss, the other features grimy boarding houses, penny café's and loud back street beer houses. The neat trick the Boulting's pull is that we know the sunny side is merely a facade to darker forces, much of the badness is played out to the backdrop of seaside frivolity and relaxation. With the iconic pier serving as a dual witness to both the good and bad side of Brighton's current denizens. Aided by Waxman's oppressive photography, J Boulting paints in claustrophobic strokes, perfectly enveloping the lead protagonists in a number of restrictive set-ups, where the surroundings deftly match the mood of the individual. It's going to end bad, it has too, the atmosphere tells us that, but the makers are reveling in tightening the noose one turn at a time, and that's a sure fire bonus for film noir lovers.Film is well cast across the board, with Hartnell most notable as Pinkie gang member, Dallow, while Baddeley as Pinkie's bold and brassy adversary, Ida Arnold, is suitably annoying. Memorable characters, one and all, each one serving to add fuel to Attenborough's malevolent fire. How great it is to also take away a number of memorable scenes from the movie. From the pulse raising chase at the beginning; to the weird and haunting brutality of a ghost train sequence, and to the cruel finale that drips with cynicism, it's a film that refuses to leave the conscious after the credits have rolled. The ending may have been toned down from that of the novel, but what remains still bites hard, as does, in truth, the whole film. 9/10

After the end of World War 2,and England was picking up the pieces & rebuilding,the British film industry started to guess that people will eventually want to start flocking back to the movies again. 1947 brought 'Brighton Rock' (released in the U.S. as 'Young Scarface'),from the celebrated crime novel by author Graham Greene. It is the story of Brighton's criminal underground (Brighton,being a sea side holiday area). The story centers on Pinkie Brown,a young,up & coming career criminal (played here by Richard Attenborough,years before he became Sir Richard Attenborough),and the gang of slimy criminals he obviously wants to be the head of,someday. Between gang hits on various targets they want done away with,forever,Pinkie takes a fancy to Rose,a young attractive waitress,working at a sandwich shop in Brighton (played here by Carol Marsh),whom he eventually marries. Pinkie's success as an underworld crime figure is in danger of being found out by a brass,loud mouthed,but well meaning woman,named Ida Arnold (played by a then young,Hermonie Baddeley,forever known for playing domestics in such films as 'Mary Poppins'),who adds some nice touches of humour to the dark goings on. A nice plot twist ending (I'm not saying what)compliments the film,nicely. John Boulting ('I'm Alright,Jack','Rotten To The Core')directs a taut,well written screenplay by Graham Greene & Terrance Rattigan,from the novel by Greene. The film's sumptuous black & white photography,which brings out the atmospheric balance of light & shadow is by Harry Waxman,with tight editing by Peter Graham Scott. This is film noir at it's best (make no mistake about it),that easily takes it's place among noir classics such as 'This Gun For Hire',the original 1949 version of 'D.O.A.',and others. Not rated by the MPAA (as it had not been organized as of yet,but films were overseen by the National Board of Review,back then),this film has some flashes of violence,that were quite bloody for that era (the film received an 'A' certification from the British Film Censorship Board,for adult content---the board's censorship seal was always spliced into the first reel of every film that played in the United Kingdom)

Stunning film from England starring Richard Attenborough as small time crime boss Pinky Brown. I never knew he had it in him to play a role like this one. The rivalry between Pinky's gang and the bigger and more efficient one run by Colletti provides somewhat of a background story with a great scene at a racetrack where Colletti's boys are waving around straight razors, but the real story is Pinky's murder of one of his own guys on a beach front amusement park ride, the cover-up, how he tries to deal with Hermione Baddely and a sweet young waitress, and his dealings with the guys in his own gang, which are all done with incredible precision. How Pinky got so mean is an interesting question to ponder. So the character is evil but with intriguing depth, a tribute to writer Graham Greene who apparently thought him up, and the characterization by Attenborough is, IMHO, unequaled.