Movie spotlight
Set in Manchester, heartland of England's industrial north, Don Starling escapes from jail becoming England's most wanted man. Ruthless villain Starling together with his cronies engineered a robbery that resulted in the violent death of a young girl. Detective Inspector Martineau has been assigned to hunt him down and bring him in. From seedy barrooms, through gambling dens the trail leads to an explosive climax high on the rooftops of the city.
In this gritty British crime drama, a former soldier, Gus, struggles to adapt to civilian life in Manchester after his release from prison. He becomes entangled with a dangerous woman named Fern, who manipulates him into committing a robbery. As the crime escalates and a detective closes in, Gus finds himself trapped in a spiral of violence and desperation, with his fate hanging precariously in the balance.
Hell Is a City was generally well-received by critics for its stark portrayal of urban crime and its tense atmosphere. The film was praised for its gritty realism, effective direction, and strong performances, particularly from its lead actors. It is considered a notable example of British crime cinema from the era.
Praised for its atmospheric depiction of Manchester's underbelly.
Commended for its suspenseful plot and competent direction.
Seen as a solid example of British noir.
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The film is notable for its authentic on-location shooting in and around Manchester, capturing the city's industrial landscape and gritty atmosphere of the time.
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For a second I thought that Joan Crawford was in this, then I realised that it was her long-lost cousin John who takes on the role of visiting American box-office draw for this gritty and quite well thought-out crime drama. You see, “Starli...
I don't play cards. I don't even touch coins. Out of Hammer Films, Hell is a City is directed by Val Guest, who also adapts the screenplay from Maurice Proctor's novel of the same name. It stars Stanley Baker, John Crawford, Billie Whit...