There is a rivalry in 1930s London between 2 sets of hookers. There are the lorry girls and there are the dancehall girls. One of these girls is murdered and Emlyn Williams (Shorty) who is her recently-released-from-prison boyfriend has all the circumstantial evidence pointing to his guilt. He didn't do it, though. So begins this story as he goes on the run rather than hand himself in and get a sure death sentence. He lives by his wits associating with lorry drivers, notably Allan Jeayes (Wally) and comes across an old friend in the form of dancehall girl Anna Konstam (Molly) who assists him in trying to solve the murder. They feel that the murderer must frequent the theatre where the dancehall girls work and is probably still a client.
This is a good film with a typically British setting, ie, it rains a lot! It is also an interesting social history timebox with the world of the dancehall venue, the East End habit of leaving house doors unlocked, streets with flower girls and it has a great atmosphere of underworld venues and cafes which is on the claustrophobic side. No Hollywood glamourous art-deco sets. We also learn that hangings took place at 9:00 o'clock in the morning. The introduction of the killer is very effective and deserves a mention - creepy and memorable.
I wish the dancehall venues still existed. It's a great place to learn to dance and have a night out. Why have they closed? You could also get a ham sandwich from street stalls at midnight. You can't do that anymore, it's all kebabs and fast-food nonsense. No thanks, how about a fresh sandwich shop for those late night/early morning revellers. Cheese and pickle please. Someone get a business going.
This is a good film with a typically British setting, ie, it rains a lot! It is also an interesting social history timebox with the world of the dancehall venue, the East End habit of leaving house doors unlocked, streets with flower girls and it has a great atmosphere of underworld venues and cafes which is on the claustrophobic side. No Hollywood glamourous art-deco sets. We also learn that hangings took place at 9:00 o'clock in the morning. The introduction of the killer is very effective and deserves a mention - creepy and memorable.
I wish the dancehall venues still existed. It's a great place to learn to dance and have a night out. Why have they closed? You could also get a ham sandwich from street stalls at midnight. You can't do that anymore, it's all kebabs and fast-food nonsense. No thanks, how about a fresh sandwich shop for those late night/early morning revellers. Cheese and pickle please. Someone get a business going.