| Black Memory | |
| Director: | Oswald Mitchell |
| Producer: | Gilbert Church |
| Music: | Peter Russell |
| Cinematography: | S.D. Onions |
| Editing: | John F. House |
| Studio: | Bushey Studios |
| Distributor: | Ambassador Film Productions |
| Runtime: | 73 mins |
| Country: | United Kingdom |
| Language: | English |
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]
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.
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]
