Watch The Siege of Sidney Street

The Siege of Sidney Street is a gripping drama from 1960 that tells the story of a group of armed anarchists who choose to go on a violent rampage in the East End of London. The film portrays the tense stand-off between the anarchists and the police, who are determined to prevent further bloodshed at any cost. At the heart of the film is the remarkable true story of the siege that took place in Sidney Street, a small cul-de-sac in the heart of London's East End in 1911. The anarchists included Peter Piatkow, known as 'Peter the Painter', who was a mastermind behind a series of high-profile robberies across Europe. The film begins with a dramatic bank robbery carried out by the anarchists, which sets the stage for the tense events that follow.

As the police close in on the anarchists and the siege begins, the film focuses on the different perspectives of the key players involved. Donald Sinden plays Chief Inspector Frederick Abberline, a tough but fair police officer who is given the task of leading the operation. Abberline is a complex character who is torn between his duty to protect the public and his sympathies for the plight of the working-class anarchists.

Kieron Moore plays Sgt. Charles Pearson, one of the police officers on the front line of the siege. Pearson is a dedicated professional who is willing to put his life on the line to bring the anarchists to justice. However, he is also shown to be a compassionate man who is concerned about the welfare of the innocent civilians caught up in the siege.

Nicole Berger plays Elsa, a French woman who is romantically involved with one of the anarchists. Elsa is initially sympathetic to the cause of the anarchists, but as the situation worsens, she is forced to confront the reality of the violence they are committing. Berger's performance is excellent, and she adds a touch of humanity to a story that is otherwise dominated by violent confrontation.

The film's direction is taut and tense, with a strong focus on the action and drama of the siege itself. The use of black and white film stock adds to the sense of grim realism, and the film's score enhances the atmosphere of tension and danger.

In addition to its dramatic power, The Siege of Sidney Street is also a fascinating commentary on the social and political issues of its time. The film portrays the deep divides between the working-class anarchists and the upper-class police officers, and explores the complex motivations and beliefs of both sides.

Overall, The Siege of Sidney Street is an excellent film that delivers high drama and engaging characters. While it may not be as well-known as some other historical dramas of its era, it is a film that deserves to be seen and appreciated for its historical significance and its exploration of timeless themes of power, conflict, and justice.

The Siege of Sidney Street is a 1960 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0.