Watch Smokescreen

Smokescreen is a 1964 British crime flick directed by Jim O'Connell and stars Peter Vaughan, John Carson, and Yvonne Romain. The movie follows a criminal gang that pulls off a heist and must outsmart the authorities and one another to keep the loot. The movie opens with a bank heist, as a group of criminals led by Jack Taylor (John Carson) manage to steal £50,000 without a hitch. However, things start to go south after they split up to lay low and keep the police off their trail. While on the run, Taylor discovers that his girlfriend Julie (Yvonne Romain) has become too attached to one of his underlings, Tony (Peter Vaughan). Meanwhile, the police are hot on their trail, and Taylor realizes that one of his own has turned informant and is working with the authorities.

As the gang members try to stay one step ahead of the police and each other, the tension rises with every twist and turn of the plot. They must deal with their own greed, mistrust, and love triangles, all while trying to evade capture and keep the money safe.

The performances in Smokescreen are top-notch, with John Carson delivering a standout turn as the charismatic but ruthless leader of the crew. Peter Vaughan is also impressive as his loyal yet conflicted henchman, torn between his love for Taylor's girlfriend and his loyalty to his boss. Yvonne Romain provides the critical female presence in the film as the love interest who brings out the worst in the men around her.

Director Jim O'Connell adds to the overall suspense of the film with his use of shadowy lighting, bringing a sense of unease to the otherwise ordinary settings. The tension mounts in the third act as the gang members are trapped in a house, and the lines between friend and foe become blurred.

One of Smokescreen's strongest points is its authenticity; the depiction of the criminal world is gritty and realistic, with the characters' motivations and actions feeling entirely believable. The movie's ending is satisfying, tying up loose ends while still, leaving a bit of ambiguity - it's not entirely clear whether the criminals have got away with it or not.

Overall, Smokescreen is a well-acted and tightly written crime thriller that delivers a gripping story, excellent performances, and an ending that will keep you guessing. It's a classic example of British noir that captures the mood of the era and holds up well today. Whether you're a fan of classic cinema or just looking for an engaging crime thriller, Smokescreen is well worth checking out.

Smokescreen is a 2019 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 11 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.