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  4. Victim (1961 Film)

Victim (1961 Film) (PG)

Compromised though it had to be in 1961, Basil Dearden's brave expose of England's iniquitous homosexual laws retains its groundbreaking status, both influencing the course of justice and lifting Dirk Bogarde's acting career, despite the risk to his popularity, on to a new plane of deeply desired seriousness. Bogarde plays a gay barrister involved with a young man who commits suicide after being blackmailed. He must either shut up or come out. His choice of the latter course puts a strain on both his marriage and his reputation. While the character hinted at Bogarde's own ambivalent sexuality, it was also the right moment for the matinee idol to seek the more demanding roles he craved. As for the film, its clear intention was to normalise homosexuality rather than glamorise it; its success in doing so is Dearden's abiding achievement. This immaculate restoration is by ITV Studios Global Entertainment and Park Circus.

Running Time: 96 minutes
Director: Basil Dearden
Author: Janet Green, John McCormick
Cast: Dirk Bogarde, Sylvia Syms, Dennis Price, John Barrie