Watch Cry From The Streets

Cry From The Streets is a gritty and compelling drama from 1958, set amidst the backdrop of post-World War II London. The film explores the lives of a group of troubled teenagers struggling to make their way in a world that seems to be against them at every turn. The film stars Max Bygraves as Eddie, a tough but fair social worker who is dedicated to helping the young people in his care.

Barbara Murray co-stars as Helen, an ambitious journalist who is drawn to the story of these troubled teens and their struggles. Colin Petersen plays Johnny, one of the most troubled and volatile of the group, who is struggling to overcome a difficult childhood and a series of bad decisions that have landed him in trouble.

The film opens with a powerful and emotional scene in which Johnny is arrested for a violent crime he did not commit. Eddie, who is Johnny's social worker, is devastated by this turn of events and is determined to help clear his name. However, he soon discovers that the rest of the world is not as sympathetic to Johnny's plight as he is.

As the film progresses, we see the other teenagers in Eddie's care facing their own struggles and demons. Some, like the sweet but naive Janie (played by Anne Baxter), are still innocent and hopeful, while others, like the tough and streetwise Tony (played by Michael Medwin), seem resigned to a life of crime and poverty.

Throughout the film, we see the young people grappling with issues of identity, belonging, and worth. They are all searching for a place in the world where they can be seen and valued for who they truly are, but they are constantly thwarted by the prejudice and misunderstanding of those around them.

Despite the seriousness of the subject matter, Cry From The Streets is not without its lighter moments. Max Bygraves brings a warm and relatable humor to his performance as Eddie, and there are several scenes that showcase the camaraderie and humor that can exist even in the bleakest of situations.

The film also boasts excellent direction by Lewis Gilbert, who would go on to direct such classic films as Alfie and Educating Rita. Gilbert has a keen eye for capturing the unique texture of post-World War II London, with its bombed-out buildings, bustling markets, and crowded streets. The cinematography, by Jack Asher, is similarly impressive, with a gritty realism that perfectly captures the mood of the film.

Overall, Cry From The Streets is a powerful and insightful look at the lives of marginalized young people struggling to break free from the constraints of their circumstances. With excellent performances, solid direction, and a richly textured world, the film is a must-see for anyone interested in the social realism genre of British cinema.

Cry From The Streets is a 1960 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.