Review of Brighton Rock (1948) by Adam R — 06 Jan 2009

Solid crime drama, showcasing a spectacular performance by Richard Attenborough.

Attenborough plays Pinkie Brown, a ruthless, calculating hood who runs a protection racket in the titular city. After ordering the murder of a rival, he tries to cover up any loose ends. Pinkie goes to extremes to do this, killing his own associates and friends, threatening bigger crime bosses, and even marrying a waitress who may have simply caught a glimpse of the victim.

The real power in "Brighton Rock" comes from watching the atmosphere of chilly suspense and dread that proliferates every scene and hangs over the characters - a trademark of the best film adaptations of Graham Greene's work.