The Long Memory
Dir: Robert Hamer
1953
****
The Long Memory is an overlooked noir classic. The performances are fantastic, John Mills in particular plays his part perfectly. The direction is as good as you'd expect from the great but woefully under-appreciated Robert Hamer and the script is killer: "It is not justice we need. Not anything as big as that. Just the right to exist, without being hurt, without doing hurt." It's a real edge of your seat thriller as well, it's influence on today's revenge films is clear although this remains one of the more intelligent I've seen. The beginning sequence alone should have given it iconic status by now.
Fay Lowther: You don't remember me.
Boyd: I'm afraid not. Should I?
Fay Lowther: I think you should. After all, I was present on the occasion of your death.
School for Scoundrels
Dir: Robert Hamer
1960
*****
School for Scoundrels is classic British comedy at its very best. Terry-Thomas's depiction of the ultimate Cad is reason enough to watch but you've also got the wonderfully eccentric Alastair Sim and the discreet charm of Ian Carmichael, who is nobody's stooge. Great performances and great scenes, it's one of those films that's hard to forget after just one viewing and is sometimes embarrassingly quotable. It's not all performance though, it's the brilliant script that is at the core of its success. It's hard to pick a favorite scene but it would probably be the immortal image of Terry-Thomas's aggressive tennis match. Hard cheese old boy.
Kind Hearts and Coronets
Dir: Robert Hamer
1949
*****
In my opinion Ealing Comedies really took off after the release of Kind Hearts and Coronets. Dennis Price's narration is enough to suck you in from the start, his voice being perfectly pitched and hypnotic. His performance is brilliant although it is Alec Guinness's eight performances that the film is most remembered for, each one being as equally good. Robert Hamer had a short career due to dying relatively young, his films have really stood the test of time but are to this day sadly forgotten. Rectify this people! Kind Hearts and Coronets being the perfect starting point.
