Concrete Jungle (1960)
"The Criminal" (original title)

An ex-con who's taken part in the robbery of a racetrack is caught and sent back to prison, but he won't tell his fellow gang members where he's stashed the loot. The gang kidnaps his ... See full summary »

Director:

Joseph Losey

Writer:

Alun Owen (screenplay)

Stars:

Stanley Baker, Sam Wanamaker, Grégoire Aslan

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Stanley Baker	...	Johnny Bannion
Sam Wanamaker	...	Mike Carter
Grégoire Aslan	...	Frank Saffron
Margit Saad	...	Suzanne
Jill Bennett	...	Maggie
Rupert Davies	...	Edwards
Laurence Naismith	...	Mr. Town
John Van Eyssen	...	Formby
Noel Willman	...	Prison Governor
Derek Francis	...	Priest
Redmond Phillips	...	Prison Doctor
Kenneth J. Warren	...	Clobber (as Kenneth Warren)
Patrick Magee	...	Barrows
Robert Adams	...	Judas
Kenneth Cope	...	Kelly

Storyline

An ex-con who's taken part in the robbery of a racetrack is caught and sent back to prison, but he won't tell his fellow gang members where he's stashed the loot. The gang kidnaps his girlfriend and has him tortured in prison in an effort to find out where the money is.

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Plot Keywords:

prison | british noir | independent film

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Taglines:

The toughest picture ever made in Britain!

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Genres:

Crime | Drama

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Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

13 September 1960 (UK)

Also Known As:

The Concrete Jungle

Filming Locations:

London, England, UK

Box Office

Budget:

$200,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Merton Park Studios

Technical Specs

Runtime:

97 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Feature film debut of Derek Francis.

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Connections

Referenced in The Cracksman (1963)

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Soundtracks

"Dance of the Cuckoos"
(uncredited)
Music by Marvin Hatley

User Reviews

Stock criminals

Joseph Losey's film has acquired something of a reputation since it's release way back when, though it's hard to see why. Stanley Baker playing the eponymous villain is convincing enough but the script and characterisations are weak. This is particularly evident in the prison scenes which comprise most of the film. The incarcerated are stock characters so beloved of British films of this period and they perform true to type (ie terribly). The exception is one of Beckett's favourite actors Patrick Magee, his sinister prison guard is a real stand-out. Aside from his performance the other outstanding feature is the photography from Robert Krasker which, ironically, suggests what a great film this could have been.