In the Nick (1960)

Smalltime crook Spider Kelly (James Booth) and his gang – Jinx (Bernie Winters), Dancer (Al Mulock) and Mick (Derren Nesbitt) – are sent to an experimental “progressive” open prison where inmates are to be reformed, not punished. A gate at the end of the driveway replaces bars on the windows, and dorm rooms replace cells.

The four friends settle in for an easy one-year sentence but run afoul of thuggish prisoner Ted Ross (Ian Hendry), who handles all the smuggled cigarettes and contraband and is considered the leader of the prisoners.

While Chief Officer Williams (Harry Andrews), the not too scrupulous warden, allows them little rope, the new psychologist Dr Newcombe (Andrew Newley), takes an interest in the four friends, wanting to use them to prove that rehabilitation works.

The four friends find a secret passage out of the centre (via a bookcase) and set up an egg smuggling ring.

James Booth, Bernie Winters and Al Mulock return in the same characters they portrayed in Jazz Boat. Anne Aubrey is attractive, sheds her clothes discreetly and sings pleasantly as Doll.

Dr Newcombe
Anthony Newley
Doll
Anne Aubrey
Jinx Shortbottom
Bernie Winters
Spider Kelly
James Booth
Chief Officer Williams
Harry Andrews
Dancer
Al Mulock
Mick
Derren Nesbitt
Prison Governor
Niall MacGinnis
Screw Smith
Victor Brooks
Ted Ross
Ian Hendry
Judge
Kynaston Reeves
Screw Jenkins
Barry Keegan
Barmaid
Diana Chesney

Director
Ken Hughes