Passport to Shame

Passport to Shame, also known as Room 43, is a 1958 British drama film directed by Alvin Rakoff, written by Patrick Alexander and starring Diana Dors and Herbert Lom.[3]

Passport to Shame
American theatrical release poster
Directed byAlvin Rakoff
Produced byJohn Clein
Written byPatrick Alexander
StarringDiana Dors
Herbert Lom
Eddie Constantine
Music byKen Jones
CinematographyJack Asher
Edited byLee Doig
Production
company
United Co Productions
Distributed byBritish Lion Films
Release date
1958 (1958)
September 1959 (Los Angeles)[1]
Running time
86 minutes
CountryUnited Kingdom
LanguageEnglish
Budget$180,000 [2]

Premise

A French girl becomes embroiled in a life of prostitution. Pimp Nick meets Canadian Johnny and offers him money if he will marry a woman.

Cast

Production

"This was not a low budget film," said director Alvin Rakoff, "this was a lowest budget film." When the lighting cut-out during a key scene, the filming had to continue.

The film itself is remarkable for the introduction of new talent. Michael Caine in a role so small he is not credited. He had, like Sean Connery and others, previously worked as walk-ons with the director. Jackie Collins, later an acclaimed novelist and the sister of Joan, played one of many prostitutes. Joan Sims also has a cameo.

Nicolas Roeg, director of Don't Look Now, The Man Who Fell to Earth, etc., was the camera operator. Alvin Rakoff, a renowned television director, was keen to break the then heavily imposed glass ceiling between the small screen and feature films. He therefore accepted the assignment knowing it to be an exploitation film.

It was Eddie Constantine's first English language movie.[4] Filming started 3 July 1958.[5]

It was also known as Visa to Shame and One Way Street.

Reception

The Los Angeles Times said "the picture is rather well done".[6]

The Monthly Film Bulletin called it a "wildly incredible story" which "must be the most wholeheartedly absurd prostitute drama yet. Motivations are mysterious and characterisations grotesque. Connoisseurs of the bizarre may relish some of the production's most ambitious moments."[7]

Variety said, "Though a familiar entry in characters and general action, it has a plus in fairly unfettered looks at prostitution in London and the workings of a white slave ring. It looks to have exploitation facets for Yank dualer chances and its “X” certificate in England should also help at the boxoffice. "[2]

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References
  1. 'Room 43' Will Open Next Week Los Angeles Times 18 Sep 1959: A10.
  2. "Passport to Shame". Variety. 26 November 1958. p. 6.
  3. "BFI | Film & TV Database | PASSPORT TO SHAME (1958)". Ftvdb.bfi.org.uk. 16 April 2009. Archived from the original on 15 January 2009. Retrieved 7 November 2012.
  4. "Advertisement". Variety. January 1959.
  5. "Hollywood Production Pulse". Variety. 6 August 1958. p. 20.
  6. 'Room 43' Exposes Adults Only Theme Scott, John L. Los Angeles Times 24 Sep 1959: B7.
  7. Review of film Volume 26, No.302, March 1959, page 35 Monthly Film Bulletin
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