zoom_in Click to enlarge

The Criminal

▲ ▼

description The Criminal Overview

The Criminal is a 1960 British crime film directed by Joseph Losey, starring Stanley Baker as Johnny Bannion, a professional gangster recently released from prison. The film follows Bannion as he becomes involved in a racetrack robbery and subsequent betrayal, leading to his return to prison where he must navigate the complex politics of prison life. Part of the British New Wave cinema movement, the film examines both criminal underworld and prison systems with a naturalistic approach. The Criminal was produced by Joseph Janni and features a supporting cast including Margit Saad and Sam Wanamaker.

help The Criminal FAQ

What is The Criminal about?

Stanley Baker plays Johnny Bannion, a professional gangster who returns to crime after leaving prison. A racetrack robbery, betrayal, and the missing proceeds eventually send him back into the prison system.

Who directed The Criminal?

Joseph Losey directed this 1960 British crime film, with Stanley Baker in the lead role. In the United States, the film was released under the alternate title The Concrete Jungle.

Is The Criminal a prison film or a heist film?

It combines both forms: Bannion plans and carries out a racetrack robbery, but the film gives substantial attention to prison power structures and violence. The result is a British neo-noir rather than a simple robbery thriller.

Who wrote the music for The Criminal?

John Dankworth composed the score for The Criminal, and Cleo Laine performs its title song. The film also features Sam Wanamaker and Margit Saad alongside Stanley Baker.

swap_horiz

Looking for The Criminal alternatives? Compare top competitors ranked & scored

arrow_forward