Items For Theatre-Goers BRITISH FILMS USE POSTWAR CRIME-WAVE AS PLOTS FOR MOVIE STORIES

Wanganui Chronicle, 30 October 1948, Page 8

Items For Theatre-Goers BRITISH FILMS USE POSTWAR CRIME-WAVE AS PLOTS FOR MOVIE STORIES

British films in the post-war years have sought many topics. One of the most recent is the crime wave that so sorely tried the police and Scotland Yard in the immediate post-war period.

Typical of Britain’s gangsters are the modern spiv and the black marketeer. Both are brought into full focus in the screen play “They Made Me a Fugitive.” made by Cavalcanti, one of Britain’s leading directors, who lately gave us a motionpicture version of “Nicholas Nickleby.” The story tells how an ex-R.A.F. pilot, Clem Morgan (Trevor Howard), turns to crime for excitement after his discharge. The London gang with which he ioins up is led by Narcy (Griffith Jones) and deals in nylons, perfumes and cigarettes. Morgan revolts when the gang extends its activities to ln revenge they frame him for manslaughter.

Griffith Jones’ roles as a spiv is a change for him as he is usually cast as a gentlemanly figure of romance.

He is not so well-known to New Zealand audiences as Trevor Howard. He had a part in “The Rake's Progress” and will be seen in "Miranda.” a whimsical account of the adventures of a mermaid in London society.

Trevor Howard is better known for his roles in "Brief Encounter.” "I See a Dark Stranger,” "Green for Danger” and "So Well Remembered.”

Sally Gray who was also in “Green for Danger” has the leading feminine part of Sally Connors. Cavalcanti, who is noted also for his camera work, is a director who had his early training in the British documentary school. The film is released here by Warner Bros, and will be screened under the title “They Made Me a Criminal.”