Rent The Gentle Gunman (1952)

Political thriller. - The Gentle Gunman review by Steve

Pacifist thriller set on the Irish border during WWII. The conflict between the Republic and the UK has often been an awkward subject for film makers. Partly because it's complicated, and the bias of the home and American markets are so polarised. Basil Dearden tries to look from both sides, but principally makes an appeal to put down the guns.

John Mills is an IRA soldier who grows weary of violence during a period in England. But he has to watch out for his brother (Dirk Bogarde) who is still fighting for the cause. Their mission is to spring two political prisoners being moved to a jail in Belfast. The accents of the stars are unreliable, but Bogarde is fine and there's decent support from the Irish actors.

And there's a lot of talk, particularly from a blimpish Englishman on holiday, who represents the British tabloid point of view. Dearden made many subtle films about social justice, but these arguments are quite simplistic. Screenwriter Robert MacDougall ultimately advances a pro-union perspective. But this isn't a polemic.

Apart from a couple of botched manoeuvres, the events take place in a rural hideout, like a play. The production was shot in the studio, with a noirish look. There's a satirical script and witty dialogue, which help underplay the political stakes. The portrayal of the conflict is dated, but it still works as an engrossing suspense film.