Pinkie (Richard Attenborough) heads a small gang in Brighton. I didn't understand the beginning and I was a bit annoyed that I had to try and figure things out. The beginning only made sense after I had read other reviews on the IMDb site. Obviously written by people who have read the book. Anyway, Pinkie ends up killing a couple of people and trying to cover his tracks until the final denouement at Brighton pier. Just go with it.
There are several memorable scenes - the chase at the beginning through Brighton that ends with Pinkie taking a seat next to Fred (Alan Wheatley) on the Ghost Train as the ride starts; the scene at the pier with the suicide pact; the fight with other gang members where Pinkie gets unexpectedly attacked; the incident on the staircase - game over for Spicer (Wylie Watson); Pinkie recording what Rose (Carol Marsh) believes to be a message of love for her - he actually records a message saying how much he detests her; etc.
There are a few points I feel I need to mention - the dialogue is sometimes difficult to understand; the title means absolutely nothing - "Brighton Pier" or "Kinky Pinkie" would have made a better title; I also found it unrealistic during the chase scene as Fred had got clear away on about 3 occasions. He even jumped on a couple of buses!; and the punches that are thrown are very fake.
Set against this, the film portrays some violent scenes that are disturbing. Pinkie's a psychopath and is prepared to slash people in the face. Indeed, he becomes a victim of this type of attack and the story has an underlying menacing quality to it. The acting honours go to Richard Attenborough and William Hartnell, who plays "Dallow". Hartnell is a tough guy who behaves according to an honourable code, eg, he doesn't harm women. Attenborough crosses this line and this is his undoing.
Hermione Baddeley, who plays "Ida", a 3rd-rate entertainer, starts the film as a figure of fun with her attempt to contact the dead and she has comedy music played whenever she appears. It was a poor decision to use this music as it takes the tension out of proceedings. However, the audience respects her by the end of the film as she sticks her neck out to help Rose, who is extremely annoying and stupid in her blind love for Pinkie. I was waiting for Rose to play the goddam record at the end to bring her down to reality and to laugh at her coz she was sooooooo annoying........I didn't get the chance. I felt cheated with the ending even though I appreciate that it is a good twist.
A final mention must go to the main character. He's clearly a dangerous man but what is his name about? ....Pinkie...!!.... another British gangland poof....? Despite not being able to understand the story at the beginning, this is a good film that keeps you watching.
There are several memorable scenes - the chase at the beginning through Brighton that ends with Pinkie taking a seat next to Fred (Alan Wheatley) on the Ghost Train as the ride starts; the scene at the pier with the suicide pact; the fight with other gang members where Pinkie gets unexpectedly attacked; the incident on the staircase - game over for Spicer (Wylie Watson); Pinkie recording what Rose (Carol Marsh) believes to be a message of love for her - he actually records a message saying how much he detests her; etc.
There are a few points I feel I need to mention - the dialogue is sometimes difficult to understand; the title means absolutely nothing - "Brighton Pier" or "Kinky Pinkie" would have made a better title; I also found it unrealistic during the chase scene as Fred had got clear away on about 3 occasions. He even jumped on a couple of buses!; and the punches that are thrown are very fake.
Set against this, the film portrays some violent scenes that are disturbing. Pinkie's a psychopath and is prepared to slash people in the face. Indeed, he becomes a victim of this type of attack and the story has an underlying menacing quality to it. The acting honours go to Richard Attenborough and William Hartnell, who plays "Dallow". Hartnell is a tough guy who behaves according to an honourable code, eg, he doesn't harm women. Attenborough crosses this line and this is his undoing.
Hermione Baddeley, who plays "Ida", a 3rd-rate entertainer, starts the film as a figure of fun with her attempt to contact the dead and she has comedy music played whenever she appears. It was a poor decision to use this music as it takes the tension out of proceedings. However, the audience respects her by the end of the film as she sticks her neck out to help Rose, who is extremely annoying and stupid in her blind love for Pinkie. I was waiting for Rose to play the goddam record at the end to bring her down to reality and to laugh at her coz she was sooooooo annoying........I didn't get the chance. I felt cheated with the ending even though I appreciate that it is a good twist.
A final mention must go to the main character. He's clearly a dangerous man but what is his name about? ....Pinkie...!!.... another British gangland poof....? Despite not being able to understand the story at the beginning, this is a good film that keeps you watching.