British Losey film that is as tough as they come. Don't be put off by the fact this is largely set inside a prison, because the scenes are so well done. A lot of familiar faces here and everyone contributes to make this such an uncompromising and brutally believable affair. Stanley Baker is, of course, brilliant throughout and Patrick Magee worryingly effective as a prison officer with a purpose and not a little malice. The pacing is extraordinary, especially for a film of this time, and rips through from beginning to end. Many prison sequences but also a few other interiors and some very fine canal side and snowy open field scenes. Marit Saad is terrific as the potential love interest but it is the assured direction of Losey and presence of Baker that ensure this is such a solid film. Music of John Dankworth and a song from Cleo Laine help things along too. Excellent.