Rent Victim (1961)

A brave film for its era. - Victim review by TB

A very daring film considering that at the time homosexuality was illegal.

It was good to see that it presented homosexuality in an honest way and showed that it existed in a cross-section of society from barristers to shop owners. So a brave role indeed to take on for Bogarde, who was excellent in portraying a homosexual who must of had to hide their emotional feelings during that time due to being scared of being found out, persecuted for who they were or in this case blackmailed.

I liked the way it focused on the love that Farr had for Barrett, and despite now being married and having a high level career he was willing to put it all on the line due to the obvious guilt he felt towards spurning Barretts cry for help against the blackmailers who were holding not just Barrett but many other homosexuals to ransom.

A groundbreaking film that not only was a good thriller but highlighted the horrible persecution of homosexuals in a film that must have pushed and questioned the social consensus at the time towards homosexuality.

Political Noir. - Victim review by Steve

After Sapphire (1959), director Basil Dearden and scriptwriter Janet Green again married social commentary to a crime story, this time to explore the illegality of homosexuality which facilitated the extortion of gay men. And led to further crime, to pay the blackmailer.

Victim pulls a lot of punches. The lawyer played by Dirk Bogarde, who expedites the investigation into the death of a rent boy, doesn't actually have sex with men. He is married, and resists the impulse. But he does make clear the desire is there in a passionate speech apparently written by the star.

And the level of candour was a big leap forward... It was banned in the US. Bogarde gives a profound performance; a gateway to his many complex arthouse roles of the 1960s. Sylvia Syms as his supportive but alienated wife, is... simply electrifying.

The b&w photography around central London, is also exceptional. The thriller aspect is underdeveloped and the community it portrays may no longer be apparent. Yet it remains a compelling - perhaps heroic- production which challenged censorship, prejudice and even the UK law.

One of the msot important LGBTQ films ever made - Victim review by MM

Dirk Bogarde personally championed this film. It was the firm film to tackle the subject of homophobia. It is eye opening to watch how much hatred there was for gay people and how was seen as disgusting, and how it was criminalised, leading to blackmail. People today have no idea of difficult it was to be gay. We have come a long way since the 60's. the accompanying documentary on the disc is really insightful and shows how important to Dirk Bogarde making this film was. It was hounded for many years, because of its making and I remember my mother telling me he was never accepted back in Holywood after making it. He should be remembered for being an early pioneer of gay rights. The film is interesting to watch as it shows how petty minded society was in Britain in the 60s. He is one of the cornerstones of a change in public opinion and for that this film commands respect and shows the power that films can have. A must see.