An interesting film which seems to explore sides of the Irish question - in particular it's framed by a couple of ? friends who represent the Irish and British points of view (Joseph Tomelty and Gilbert Harding). Then as the action moves from London to Ireland, it's about the internal divisions, the IRA versus the peace-abiding citizens. So John Mills has turned his back on violence, but isn't a snitch, neither, whilst younger brother Dirk Bogarde is still a little confused. It's a good plot, well filmed by Dearden (making the most of desolate Irish locations - or wherever it is) and photographed by Gordon Dines; written by Roger MacDougall from his own play.
With Robert Beatty (the scary Shinto), Elizabeth Sellars (The Barefoot Contessa), Molly Fagan, Eddie Byrne, Jack MacGowran.
Great scene with kids playing round suitcase with bomb in Underground. Another scene involving the bombing of a truck also uses children suspensefully. The ending could have been wildly different - and quite powerful - if the two freed men (who've just popped into the pub for a quick one) arrive too late and find Mills has been unfairly executed.
It's unfortunate that Mills and Bogarde are unable to deliver a convincing Irish accent between them. A late Ealing film.
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