The Frightened City

The Frightened City is a British crime film from 1961, a period that brimmed with gritty, atmospheric thrillers that captured the mood and pulse of a country still grappling with post-war austerity. This particular film is an intriguing addition to the crime genre, notable for starring a pre-Bond Sean Connery, who was on the cusp of his international superstardom as the iconic James Bond. Alongside Connery, the film features seasoned actors Herbert Lom and John Gregson, who contribute their potent talents to the shadow-laden narrative of the seedy underbelly of London's criminal world.

Set against the backdrop of a London that is far from the glitzy, swinging image of the 1960s, The Frightened City envisions a metropolis teetering on the precipice of modernity while being rooted in the grime and vice of urban life. It’s here that the story unfolds, weaving a tale of organized crime, manipulation, and betrayal.

The plot centers around the concept of the 'protection racket', a criminal enterprise that was topical at the time the film was made. The shady world of protection rackets involves forcing business owners to pay for 'protection' against vandalism and violence - protection that is, more often than not, needed against the racketeers themselves. Into this world steps our ensemble of characters, each with their own motivations and moral compasses.

Herbert Lom plays Waldo Zhernikov, a suave and ruthless crime boss looking to consolidate power by uniting the various petty protection schemes under his singular control. Zhernikov is the mastermind behind the racket, orchestrating the operations with a cold precision and an iron grip. His ambition is vast, and he will exploit anyone to climb the ladder of power, giving the film its central villainous thrust.

Sean Connery’s character, Paddy Damion, is a charismatic and tough Irishman with a heart that isn’t quite hardened enough for the criminal world in which he finds himself. Plucked from the streets, Paddy is initially seduced by the allure of easy money and the respect that comes from working for Zhernikov. Known for his brawn and willingness to stand up to a challenge, Paddy becomes deeply involved in the racket's operations, only to start questioning the morality of his actions as the consequences of the criminal life weigh on him.

John Gregson portrays Detective Sergeant (DS) Sayers, a dedicated officer of the law caught in the tangled web of crime and corruption. Intelligent, methodical, and steadfast, Sayers represents the upstanding force of good that seeks to dismantle the protection racket and bring the perpetrators to justice. His journey weaves through the narrative, offering a glimpse into the challenges faced by those on the side of the law during an era when the lines between right and wrong were often blurry.

The film is directed with confident hands by John Lemont who adeptly crafts a narrative that moves steadily through dark alleys, smoky bars, and the occasional glimmering nightlife spot that serve as the stage for this urban drama. As the story unfolds, viewers are pulled deeper into the intertwining lives of criminals and lawmen, watching as they navigate the treacherous path through London's criminal landscape.

The Frightened City is also a study of character, providing a glimpse into the lives of those at the bottom rungs of the crime ladder—thugs, business owners, and the families caught in the crossfire. The script, penned by Leigh Vance, offers sharp dialogue and complex relationships that lend depth to the characters, making their struggles and choices all the more compelling.

Moreover, the film benefits from the atmosphere created by its black-and-white cinematography. The shadows cast across the actors' faces, the stark contrast of light and dark, all serve to underscore the film's themes of moral ambiguity and the gritty reality of a life of crime. The cinematography complements the powerful performances, and together, they produce a pervasive tension that supports the movie's dramatic arc.

Musically, the film showcases a moody, jazz-infused score by Norrie Paramor, with a title song performed by the renowned Shirley Bassey, which adds an additional layer of cool sophistication and melancholy undertones to the film's cinematographic experience.

Despite being overshadowed by Sean Connery's later, more iconic roles, The Frightened City stands as a testament to his early acting prowess, displaying the charisma and intensity that would soon make him a household name. The film remains a vivid slice of British noir, captivating audiences with its portrayal of a city’s dark side and the conflicted souls navigating it. It serves as a historical glimpse into a bygone era of cinema, as well as a sturdy pillar in the crime film genre, capturing the essence of a time when fear and courage walked the same murky streets.