A Cry from the Streets | |
---|---|
Directed by | Lewis Gilbert |
Written by | Vernon Harris Novel: The Friend in Need by Elizabeth Coxhead |
Produced by | Ian Dalrymple |
Starring | Max Bygraves Barbara Murray |
Cinematography | Harry Gillam |
Edited by | Peter Hunt |
Music by | Larry Adler |
Distributed by | Eros Films (UK) Tudor Pictures (USA) |
Release date |
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Running time | 99 minutes |
Country | United Kingdom |
Language | English |
Budget | £50,000 [1] |
A Cry from the Streets is a 1958 British drama film directed by Lewis Gilbert, starring Max Bygraves and Barbara Murray. [2]
When a man is hanged for murdering his wife, their three small children go into social care. Bill is an electrician with the local care home, and is introduced to the children and their social worker, Ann. Growing ever fonder of the kids, he and Ann take them out on trips and picnics, to try to bring some happiness back into their lives. However, events spiral out of control when a child gets hold of a loaded gun.
Lewis Gilbert said he went to Eros asking to make a film with Max Bygraves for £60,000. They agreed if it could be made for £50,000, without reading the script, because they knew they would be able to see a Bygraves film profitably at that price. [1]
Kinematograph Weekly listed it as being "in the money" at the British box office in 1958. [3] It was one of the twelve most popular films of the year. [4]
The New York Times wrote "this inquiry into the lives of some of the orphaned and homeless youngsters in a municipal children's shelter is realistic, bittersweet drama played with compassion and insight. Although it sometimes waxes melodramatic, it gently tugs at the heartstrings and, now and again, tickles the funnybone only as guileless kids can." [5]
Leslie Halliwell wrote: "Mildly pleasing but unconvincing semi-documentary, with children competing with the star at scene-stealing" [6]
The film was entered into the 1st Moscow International Film Festival, and Vernon Harris's screenplay received a BAFTA nomination. [7] [8]
Walter William "Max" Bygraves was an English comedian, singer, actor and variety performer. He appeared on his own television shows, sometimes performing comedy sketches between songs. He made twenty Royal Variety Performance appearances and presented numerous programmes, including Family Fortunes between 1983 and 1985. His catchphrase "I wanna tell you a story" became an integral part of his act, although it had originated with comedian Mike Yarwood impersonating Bygraves.
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