To me Sid James was the embodiment of the "Carry on" series. Sid was a very beloved comical actor. "Escape by Night" gives us the opportunity to watch him in a serious role. Sid is convincing as the Italian gangster, Gino Rossi. Perhaps he is too convincing. As with Stellan Skarsgård's portrayal of the Russian citizen Dima, Sid doesn't play a character, but rather a stereotype or a cliché. Rossi is highly suspicious, violent and trigger-happy. Just, what you would expect from an Italian gangster. Sadly his character becomes too one-dimensional.
I must openly admit that this film didn't engage me. I am no fan of gangster films. I more like "whodunits" and psychological thrillers. The plot is very protracted. What enlivens the film is the presence of Andrew Ray as the working class boy, but today I think it would be difficult to convince a boy of his age that you are a secret agent.
I must openly admit that this film didn't engage me. I am no fan of gangster films. I more like "whodunits" and psychological thrillers. The plot is very protracted. What enlivens the film is the presence of Andrew Ray as the working class boy, but today I think it would be difficult to convince a boy of his age that you are a secret agent.