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Black Memory is a 1947 British second feature (‘B’)[1] crime film directed by Oswald Mitchell and starring Michael Atkinson, Myra O’Connell and Michael Medwin.[2][3] It was written by John Gilling and featured the first screen appearance of Sid James, known for the Carry On films. Also making her film acting debut was the Welsh-born actress, playwright, screenwriter and film director Jane Arden.[4]

Premise

When his father is wrongly convicted and hanged for murder, son Danny poses as a juvenile delinquent, and ten years later manages to clear his father’s name.

Cast

  • Michael Atkinson as Danny Cruff
  • Myra O’Connell as Joan Davidson
  • Michael Medwin as Johnnie Fletcher
  • Sid James as Eddie Clinton (credited as Sydney James)
  • Frank Hawkins as Alf Davidson
  • Jane Arden as Sally Davidson
  • Winifred Melville as Mrs. Davidson
  • Michael Conry as Carl Broach
  • Betty Miller as Mrs. Cruff
  • Arthur Brander as Rutford
  • Gerald Pring as Hawkins, the headmaster
  • Valerie Hulton as Miss Philpotts
  • Maurice Nicholas as Johnnie, as a boy
  • Malcolm Sommers as Danny, as a boy

Critical reception

The Monthly Film Bulletin wrote: “The subject is grim and the settings and some of the characters are dark and murky. But this only adds to the reality – and realism and credibility are keynotes of this unpretentious but outstanding film. It is outstanding because of the sincerity of the acting – not only by the leads but by the whole cast – and because direction and photography also combine to make a gripping film. Michael Medwin as Johnny is so good that one comes to have a hearty distaste for the ‘spiv’ he creates. He is ably supported by Michael Atkinson as Danny and a well-chosen cast.”[5]

Picturegoer wrote: “Both direction and acting are competent, and the working-class background rings true. Michael Medwin is generally convincing as the now almost inevitable ‘spiv,’ and Jane Arden is sound as a flighty girl he nearly ruins.”[6]

In British Sound Films: The Studio Years 1928–1959 David Quinlan rated the film as “good”, writing: “Gripping street-level thriller.”[7]

TV Guide wrote: “Weak story, poor dialog; everyone’s just kiddin’ around.”[8][permanent dead link]

References

  1. ^ Chibnall, Steve; McFarlane, Brian (2009). The British ‘B’ Film. London: BFI/Bloomsbury. p. 156. ISBN 978-1-8445-7319-6.
  2. ^ “Black Memory”. British Film Institute Collections Search. Retrieved 24 May 2025.
  3. ^ “Black Memory (1947)”. BFI. Archived from the original on 17 August 2016.
  4. ^ “Arden, Jane (1927-82)”. BFI ScreenOnline. Retrieved 24 May 2025.
  5. ^ “Black Memory”. The Monthly Film Bulletin. 14 (157): 76. 1 January 1947. ProQuest 1305811261.
  6. ^ “Black Memory”. Picturegoer. 16: 12. 16 August 1947. ProQuest 1771185301.
  7. ^ Quinlan, David (1984). British Sound Films: The Studio Years 1928–1959. London: B.T. Batsford Ltd. p. 193. ISBN 0-7134-1874-5.
  8. ^ “Black Memory”. TV Guide.