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Click here to return to the main site. DVD Review
The 1960’s was a time when the austerity of the war years was starting to fade and workers started to push for greater rights. When a strike is called at his factory, Tony Curtis, whilst understanding and even sympathising with the strike, cannot bring himself to join in, fearing for his own family. His actions only ostracise him from his previous work colleagues and friends... The Angry Silence (B&W. 1960. 1 hr, 31 min, 37 sec) is an industrial relations drama directed by Guy Green, from a Bryan Forbes screenplay, based on an original story by Richard Gregson and Michael Craig. The film was independently produced by Richard Attenborough and Forbes. The film won five awards and was nominated for a further six, taking away the BAFTA for best screenplay and best actor for Attenborough. Thematically the film examines the role of the individual as opposed to the rule of the group. Tom (Attenborough) refuses to join in a strike which is ill defined. On screen the only real reason is given as a lack of toilet paper and missing guards from the machines which the workers have removed themselves. As an audience we can see that this is all being manipulated by Travers, a union agent provocateur, who persuades the local shop Stewart to call the men out on the flimsiest of reasons. This is not enough to persuade Tom, who initially crosses the picket line with a few others, only to be left on his own after intimidation is used against the ‘scab’. When the strike is brought to a close Tom’s life does not go back to normal as all his colleagues are now refusing to talk to him. In the end the film's faults are well balanced. It does not really matter who Travers is or his reasons for causing industrial unrest, nor is it pertinent the view of the management as this is really a film which examines what happens when an individual stands up against the crowd, in this case a crowd which is little better than a herd of sheep. It may be realistic, but it is not very encouraging that the film's message is that no matter that you stand on principle or even that right is on your side, the mob will not stop until, broken and bloodied you lie at death's door. The look of the film almost follows the neo realism of post war films. The factory and its inhabitants look and feel so authentic that it would not come as a surprise if they really had produced goods. The post war deprivation is handled with a clear eye and no mawkishness is allowed to creep in. In a way the film set the stage for other kitchen sink dramas like Cathy Come Home (1966). The DVD has a couple of extras, an Interview with Nanette Newman (11 min, 50 sec) and Michael Craig (17 min, 48 sec) both look to be new interviews and both offer their recollections of making the film. You also get the original Theatrical Trailer (1 min, 35 sec), which has not been restored, unlike the main print. Audio is mono, but clear and there are English subtitles. There is little doubt that Attenborough was an impressive actor and this is a fine example of his early work. 8 Charles Packer Buy this item online
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