COSH BOY

UK, 1952, 72 minutes, Black and white.
James Kenney, Joan Collins, Ian Whittaker, Hermione Baddeley, Hermione Gingold, Betty Ann Davies, Laurence Naismith, Sid James.
Directed by Lewis Gilbert.

Cosh Boy was the first film directed by Lewis Gilbert who went on to direct HMS Defiant, some of the James Bond films, a number of dramas and comedies right up until the early 2000s. The film is based on a play, focusing on juvenile delinquents in London in the late 40s, early 50s. It is very melodramatic in style, not particularly well acted, coming from another era (which did produce such criminals in London as the Krays).

The film focuses on a group of young men, street devils, house angels. They use coshes to bash unsuspecting passers-by to rob them. The police are after them, but they often get probation and promise to behave well. James Kenney is the leader, passing the dirty work on to his friends, trying to date Joan Collins (in one of her earliest roles) and then getting her pregnant where she jumps into the river to kill herself.

The film focuses on this young man, Roy, and his being spoilt by his mother while his grandmother is very critical. The other lad, Alfie, has a rather more strident mother. The film shows various people in the neighbourhood, especially a prostitute named Queenie, played Hermione Gingold.

In supporting roles are Sid James as a police officer and Laurence Naismith as an inspector.

The film focuses also on the mother, her marriage to a Canadian, her inability to face the reality about her son. When he is confronted by his new stepfather, he shows just how cowardly and fearful he is.

Considered a bit shocking in its time, it seems dated now. However, it is a reminder that this kind of street crime, especially amongst young people, is a constant in the life of any city.