THE PRICE OF SILENCE is a somewhat sedate and familiar British crime film that nonetheless has a cosy, feel-good factor to it thanks to the small-scale of the cast, the sets, and the plotting. It's a somehow engrossing piece of film-making that rises against the unoriginality of the story and the constraints of the low budget to become something superior to its peers.
It helps that Gordon Jackson gives an immensely likable performance as the protagonist, a former prisoner trying to go straight and beginning a new life for himself: a new name by change of deed poll, a new job with plenty of responsibility, and even a new girlfriend. Unfortunately for him, a face from his past has other ideas, leading to a plot that involves blackmail, murder, and a criminal investigation.
This story is well handled by director Montgomery Tully, himself a veteran of dozens of similar B-pictures. He has an eye for pace and intrigue, keeping his story bubbling along with half a dozen different sub-plots so that you never know which way it's going to go. The female cast members, including June Thorburn, are particularly alluring while there are a couple of fine male performers in support: Terence Alexander as the journalist friend, and Sam Kydd in a pivotal role for once. THE PRICE OF SILENCE breaks no new ground, but I came away from it with a big grin on my face - it's that kind of likable film.
It helps that Gordon Jackson gives an immensely likable performance as the protagonist, a former prisoner trying to go straight and beginning a new life for himself: a new name by change of deed poll, a new job with plenty of responsibility, and even a new girlfriend. Unfortunately for him, a face from his past has other ideas, leading to a plot that involves blackmail, murder, and a criminal investigation.
This story is well handled by director Montgomery Tully, himself a veteran of dozens of similar B-pictures. He has an eye for pace and intrigue, keeping his story bubbling along with half a dozen different sub-plots so that you never know which way it's going to go. The female cast members, including June Thorburn, are particularly alluring while there are a couple of fine male performers in support: Terence Alexander as the journalist friend, and Sam Kydd in a pivotal role for once. THE PRICE OF SILENCE breaks no new ground, but I came away from it with a big grin on my face - it's that kind of likable film.