Pool of London (film)

Pool of London is a 1951 British noir crime film directed by Basil Dearden.[2]

Pool of London
Original British quad format film poster
Directed byBasil Dearden
Produced byMichael Balcon
Screenplay byJack Whittingham
John Eldridge
StarringBonar Colleano
Earl Cameron
Susan Shaw
Music byJohn Addison
CinematographyGordon Dines
Edited byPeter Tanner
Production
company
Distributed byGFD (UK)
Release date
  • 22 February 1951 (1951-02-22) (UK)
[1]
Running time
86 minutes
CountryUnited Kingdom
LanguageEnglish

Synopsis

The character driven story centers around the crew of the merchant ship Dunbar, which docks in the Pool of London. The crew members are given shore leave, with some practicing petty smuggling and other various dodges. Set in post-war London, the film is of note for portraying the first interracial relationship in a British film.[3]

Colored crew member Johnny, an all-round nice guy, meets a pretty blonde who offers to show him the sights of London. In a visually-rich montage, they visit the National Maritime Museum and the Greenwich Observatory. Also shown briefly, are views from the dome of St Paul's Cathedral and some of the bombed areas around the cathedral prior to the building of Paternoster Square.

Meanwhile, seaman Dan – a ne’er-do-well with a conscience – inadvertently becomes involved with some big time crooks who are up to their necks in a big jewel heist. Next thing, the night watchman is murdered and the police hunt begins. Dan’s crass girlfriend shows her true colors and does nothing to stand by her man.

A variety of sub-plots, well-acted by a strong supporting cast, add interest.

Main cast

Release

“Pool of London” premiered at the Odeon Leicester Square in London on the 22 February 1951.[1]

Critical reception

In The New York Times, Bosley Crowther wrote, "there is excitement and suspense in the gritty and grimy melodramatics," and concluded that the film, "though not distinguished, is entertaining and has the flavor of a great shipping port."[4]

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References
  1. "Pool Of London". Art & Hue. 2018. Retrieved 22 February 2018.
  2. Brooks, Xan (8 August 2017). "'I've not retired!' Earl Cameron, Britain's first black film star, on Bond, racism – and turning 100" – via www.theguardian.com.
  3. BFI Screenonline: Pool of London Linked 2015-06-08
  4. "Movie Reviews". 2 July 2020. Retrieved 4 July 2020 – via NYTimes.com.


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