This less than pleasant crime drama was filmed in post-war London and based on a stage play called Master Crook by Bruce Walker about the activities of Cockney jack-the-lad Roy Walsh (James Kenney).
Walsh makes his dubious living by applying the eponymous weapon to the pates of old ladies on the streets of London and relieving them of their purses.
Eventually, the police catch up with him and his sidekick Alfie (Ian Whittaker), but in court, the Magistrate passes a fairly lenient probation sentence in suggesting that they join a youth club.
From the relative safety of the local youth club, Walsh and Alfie use the building as a base for their growing operation. By intimidating other members of the club, they increase their numbers.
Walsh’s success goes to his head and he arranges the robbery of the takings from a wrestling night.
He becomes attracted to his friend’s sister, Rene (Joan Collins), and seduces her on a bomb site whilst his gang beat up her boyfriend. When Rene later becomes pregnant she attempts suicide. It was an early role for a miscast Collins who looks far too sophisticated for her character.
When the robbery goes wrong, Walsh shoots a doorman and finds himself on a charge of attempted murder.
Lewis Gilbert‘s study of post-war juvenile delinquency, alienation and rebellion looks tame today but was heavily criticised on release for its sensationalist premise.
The film was released in some countries under the title The Slasher.
Roy Walsh
James Kenney Rene Collins
Joan Collins Elsie Walsh
Betty Ann Davies Bob Stevens
Robert Ayres Alfie
Ian Whittaker Mrs Collins
Hermione Baddeley Queenie
Hermione Gingold Gran Walsh
Nancy Roberts Pete
Stanley Escane Darkey
Sean Lynch Brian
Michael McKeag Skinny
Johnny Briggs Inspector Donaldson
Laurence Naismith Woods
Edward Evans Mr Beverley
Cameron Hall Police Sergeant
Sid James
