Victim (1961) 7.7
A prominent lawyer goes after a blackmailer who threatens gay men with exposure (homosexual acts still being illegal). But he's gay himself... Director:Basil Dearden |
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Victim (1961) 7.7
A prominent lawyer goes after a blackmailer who threatens gay men with exposure (homosexual acts still being illegal). But he's gay himself... Director:Basil Dearden |
|
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| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Dirk Bogarde | ... |
Melville Farr
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| Sylvia Syms | ... |
Laura
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| Dennis Price | ... |
Calloway
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Anthony Nicholls | ... |
Lord Fullbrook
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| Peter Copley | ... |
Paul Mandrake
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Norman Bird | ... |
Harold Doe
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Peter McEnery | ... |
Barrett
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Donald Churchill | ... |
Eddy
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| Derren Nesbitt | ... |
Sandy Youth
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John Barrie | ... |
Det.Inspector Harris
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John Cairney | ... |
Bridie
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Alan MacNaughton | ... |
Scott Hankin
(as Alan MacNaughtan)
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| Nigel Stock | ... |
Phip
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Frank Pettitt | ... |
Barman
(as Frank Pettit)
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Mavis Villiers | ... |
Madge
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A plea for reform of England's anti-sodomy statutes, this film pits Melville Farr, a married lawyer, against a blackmailer who has photos of Farr and a young gay man (who is being blackmailed and later commits suicide)in Farr's car. After the suicide, Farr tracks down other gay men being extorted for money by the same blackmailer. The well-educated police Detective Inspector Harris considers the sodomy law nothing more than an aid to blackmailers, and helps Farr in calling his blackmailer's bluff. The movie, far ahead of its time, ends with Farr and his wife coming to terms with his homosexuality after the public exposure he faces in the blackmailer's trial. Written by Mike Mills <mills@colorado.edu>
Straightforward, non-sensationalized British film, an original from screenwriters Janet Green and John McCormick, has a ring of blackmailers taking advantage of the laws prohibiting homosexuality in England and threatening to 'out' certain parties if they don't pay up; after one victim commits suicide, a former friend--and married lawyer--decides to play detective and expose the blackmailers, at the risk of ruining his own career and marriage. Dirk Bogarde is excellent in the lead; his grimace of both humility and humiliation is rather touching, and very human. The victims are the usual lot (an actor, a hairdresser, etc.), but the film is exceptionally engrossing and well-made, neatly camouflaging its plea for tolerance under the guise of a suspense drama (and the denouement is nicely staged). Director Basil Dearden includes a few intentionally sardonic visuals, and he isn't afraid to knock down walls (though any male-to-male intimacy stays off-screen). Still, a watermark for gay cinema. *** from ****