Watch Jungle Street

Jungle Street is a 1960 British film that tells the story of a group of teenage runaways who end up in Soho, London. The movie is directed by Charles Saunders and stars Jill Ireland as a good-natured café waitress who tries to help the group of young people, David McCallum as a manipulative pimp, and Kenneth Cope as a rebellious runaway.

The movie follows the lives of a group of teenagers who have run away from home and are living on the streets of London. They spend their days hanging out at a local café, where they meet and befriend Carol, the kind-hearted waitress. Carol offers them a temporary home and tries to help them make something of their lives. However, their temporary idyll is shattered when they become involved with a group of pimps and prostitutes.

David McCallum plays the character of Johnny, a sleazy and manipulative pimp who preys on vulnerable young girls. He takes an interest in the pretty, naive runaway, Greta, played by Cheryl Wilkinson, and tries to lure her into his prostitution ring. Meanwhile, Kenneth Cope's character, Ricky, resents Johnny's actions and tries to resist him at every turn. The storyline follows the fate of these three teenagers as they navigate the perilous world of Soho's sex industry, with Carol trying to protect them as best she can.

The movie portrays various themes and issues, including the struggles faced by runaways, the exploitation of young girls, the negative influence of a bad crowd, and the need for human connection and understanding. It shows how misguided youngsters can be led down the wrong path and how those who care for them can make a difference in their lives.

Jungle Street is notable for its gritty portrayal of Soho's seedy underbelly, with its dark alleyways, smokey cafés, and strip clubs. The stark, black and white cinematography adds to the bleak, noirish feel of the movie, and the jazzy score by Bill McGuffie enhances the moody atmosphere.

Jill Ireland delivers a strong performance as the compassionate Carol, who tries to help the teen runaways, despite her limited means. Her character is a beacon of hope in a world that seems to be devoid of it. David McCallum's Johnny is a disturbing and revolting character who preys on vulnerable girls who are easily manipulated. His performance is chilling and disturbing.

Kenneth Cope's Ricky is a rebel with a cause. He refuses to succumb to Johnny's influence and is determined to make a better life for himself. His character is one of the few bright spots in the movie, and his performance is convincing.

Overall, Jungle Street is a thought-provoking and disturbing movie that sheds light on the darker side of human nature. It is a cautionary tale that warns viewers about the dangers of the streets and the importance of positive influence and guidance in the lives of young people. It is a must-watch for fans of gritty, socially conscious films.

Jungle Street is a 1961 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 18 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9.