The Criminal (1960)
Joseph Losey's uncompromising British noir pits a defiant ex-con against a ruthless gang in a brutal battle of wills behind prison walls.
The Criminal - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Criminal
- Release Year: 1960
- Directed by: Joseph Losey
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Crime
- Runtime: 1h 37m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): September 13, 1960 (United Kingdom), June 6, 1962 (United States), March 17, 1961 (Germany - 18)
- Alternative Titles: The Concrete Jungle (US)
- Production Companies: Merton Park Studios
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
The Criminal - Plot
When a robbery at a racetrack goes wrong ex-con Johnny Bannion is caught and sent back to prison. He won't tell the rest of the gang where he has stashed the loot leading to violent consequences.
The Criminal - Trailer
Watch the official trailer for this landmark of British crime cinema:
The toughest picture ever made in Britain!
Where to Watch The Criminal
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The Criminal - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Joseph Losey
Main Cast
- Stanley Baker
- Sam Wanamaker
- Grégoire Aslan
- Margit Saad
- Jill Bennett
- Rupert Davies
- Laurence Naismith
- John Van Eyssen
- Noel Willman
- Derek Francis
Writers
- Alun Owen
Producers
- Jack Greenwood
The Criminal - FAQs
Where can you watch The Criminal (1960)?
Streaming availability for The Criminal (1960) varies by region and platform. You can check the most up-to-date viewing options, including rental, purchase, and subscription services available in your area, by visiting JustWatch at justwatch.com/us/movie/the-criminal.
Who are the main actors in The Criminal?
The Criminal stars Stanley Baker as the defiant ex-con Johnny Bannion, with Sam Wanamaker as the menacing Mike Carter. The supporting cast includes Grégoire Aslan, Margit Saad, Jill Bennett, Rupert Davies, Laurence Naismith, John Van Eyssen, Noel Willman, and Derek Francis.
Is The Criminal based on a true story?
The Criminal is not based on a specific true story. It is an original screenplay written by Alun Owen, drawing on the conventions of British crime drama and noir to craft a fictional portrait of prison life, gang loyalty, and the brutal consequences of criminal ambition in postwar Britain.
What is The Criminal (1960) about?
The Criminal follows ex-con Johnny Bannion, who is arrested after a racetrack robbery goes wrong and returned to prison. Refusing to disclose where he hid the stolen money, Bannion faces escalating violence from both fellow inmates and the gang outside, making his silence a matter of survival.
Who directed The Criminal (1960)?
The Criminal was directed by Joseph Losey, the American-born filmmaker who had relocated to Britain following the Hollywood blacklist. Losey brought a sharp, socially conscious eye to the material, elevating it beyond a conventional crime picture into a bleak and stylish study of institutional brutality.
When was The Criminal released?
The Criminal was first released in the United Kingdom on September 13, 1960. It reached the United States on June 6, 1962, where it was distributed under the alternative title The Concrete Jungle. A German release followed on March 17, 1961, with an 18 certificate.
How long is The Criminal (1960)?
The Criminal has a runtime of 97 minutes, approximately one hour and thirty-seven minutes. The film maintains a taut, relentless pace throughout, making its relatively compact running time feel both economical and intense as the tension between Bannion and the gang steadily escalates.
What are films similar to The Criminal (1960)?
Viewers who enjoy The Criminal may also appreciate The Night of the Hunter (1955), Gone Baby Gone (2007), Sleuth (1972), B. Monkey (1999), and Subway in the Sky (1959). These films share themes of crime, moral ambiguity, and tense character-driven narratives that echo the atmosphere of Losey's film.
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