Watch Hell Is a City

Hell Is a City is a gripping crime drama from the 1960s starring Stanley Baker, John Crawford, and Donald Pleasence. The film is set in Manchester, England, and follows Detective Inspector Harry Martineau as he tracks down a dangerous criminal who has escaped from prison. The movie starts off with a thrilling sequence, where two criminals, Don Starling and Gus Hawkins, break out of jail and steal a car. They soon make their way to Manchester, where they plan to commit a robbery. Harry Martineau is assigned to the case and begins his investigation by interviewing the girlfriend of one of the fugitives.

As the story progresses, the tension builds and several twists and turns keep the audience on the edge of their seats. Harry faces several obstacles in his investigation, including conflicts with his colleagues and a lack of resources. Meanwhile, the criminals are on the run and carrying out their plan, which involves kidnapping a wealthy businessman and holding him for ransom.

The film is expertly directed by Val Guest, who expertly captures the gritty, urban feel of Manchester in the 1960s. The city itself is almost a character in the film, providing a bleak and foreboding backdrop to the action. The film's score, composed by Stanley Black, is also worth mentioning. It expertly captures the tension and energy of the film, using a combination of jazz and classical themes.

The acting in Hell Is a City is excellent across the board. Stanley Baker gives a fantastic performance as Harry Martineau, bringing a gritty realism to the character. John Crawford and Donald Pleasence also give memorable performances as the two escaped criminals, portraying their characters with a sinister edge that keeps the audience guessing.

One of the strengths of the film is its attention to detail. The police procedures depicted in the film are realistic and well-researched, adding to the film's authenticity. The film also avoids the usual action cliches, instead focusing on character development and atmosphere.

Overall, Hell Is a City is a must-see for fans of crime dramas and classic cinema. The film holds up surprisingly well, and its themes of police corruption and the criminal underworld are still relevant today. The film's dramatic conclusion is both brutal and satisfying, leaving a lasting impact on the viewer.

In conclusion, Hell Is a City is a gripping crime drama that expertly captures the gritty realism of urban life in the 1960s. The film's strong performances and attention to detail make it a must-see for fans of the genre. Highly recommended.

Hell Is a City is a 1960 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.