Written by Emeric Pressburger in the 1930s ('The Miracle of St Anthony's Lane' - which was not a novel) he finally ventured to produce it himself and used P&P talents Chris Challis on camera, Arthur Stevens editor (Ill Met by Moonlight) and Brian Easdale's music. The idea of setting a film around a gang of road workers is innovative, as is the collection of Soho inhabitants from different cultures. Whilst being warm and charming it doesn't quite work. Is it John Gregson's fault? Is it Carmen Dillon's sets?
Cast incorporates Cyril Cusack (who for once has substantial screen time), Belinda Lee, Rosalie Crutchley (her sister), Peter Illing, Ian Bannen (none of these 'Italians' are very convincing), Billie Whitelaw, Cyril Chaps, John Cairney and Barbara Archer.
Hampered by the fact that it only comes in a fuzzy, cropped print of the Eastmancolor original which cramps the frame and the action.
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