The Small World of Sammy Lee

I was engaged by the U.S. Distributor, Seven Arts Films, to produce a trailer for the film. Notwithstanding that both the film and my trailer were quite good, it did not enjoy good box office. Seven arts changed the title to "The Small VIOLENT World of Sammy Lee", had me do a new, more action oriented trailer, and they rereleased it under that title. It did somewhat better in that incarnation, but was still not the blockbuster they had hoped it would be.

As an additional aside, in addition to the BBC t.v. play, there was a U.S. version of the television show, as well. If memory serves, it starred Mickey Rooney.

Made and released in 1963, this film gave Newley a real meaty role instead of the light comedy, musical roles he was usually cast in. The original BBC play was a one man, one scene event, but the full Soho, London locations gave the film a more murky, underworld feel and you really felt for Sammy Lee, although you realised he was his own worst enemy! Beautifully photographed in black and white, atmospheric and with Newley at his acting best. Well worth a viewing. Excellent support from Wilfred Brambell (Steptoe) as Newley/Sammy's dresser, and Julia Foster putting in a suitable innocent performance as the love interest who has fallen for Sammy's charms (lies).

The film offers a raw, gritty portrayal of the seedy underbelly of London's nightlife, with a strong emphasis on the desperation and fear that pervades Sammy's life.

The film's greatest strength lies in its portrayal of Sammy Lee, brought to life by a stunning performance from actor Anthony Newley. Newley's portrayal of Sammy is nothing short of mesmerizing, perfectly capturing the character's nervous energy, fear, and desperation. He manages to convey a great deal of emotion with just a single glance, making Sammy an incredibly compelling character to watch.

The film's script is equally impressive, painting a vivid picture of London's seedy underworld in the early 1960s. The dialogue crackles with energy and wit, with plenty of memorable one-liners and clever turns of phrase. The film also manages to tackle some weighty themes, including the nature of masculinity and the corrosive effects of debt and desperation.

The film's visuals are also worth noting. The cinematography is striking, with a strong emphasis on mood and atmosphere. The camera often lingers on close-ups of Sammy's face, allowing the audience to fully experience his fear and anxiety. The film's use of light and shadow is also particularly effective, creating a sense of foreboding that permeates throughout the film.

Overall, The Small World of Sammy Lee is a must-see film for fans of British cinema. Its gritty portrayal of London's nightlife is still as powerful today as it was when the film was first released nearly 60 years ago. The film's themes of desperation and fear are universal and timeless, making it a film that still resonates with audiences today.

One of the most impressive aspects of the film is its ability to create a fully realized world that feels authentic and lived-in. The film's setting of Soho, London is lovingly recreated, with a great deal of attention paid to the details of the time period. From the seedy nightclubs to the bustling streets, the film's world feels fully realized and immersive.

The film also benefits from a strong supporting cast, including Warren Mitchell as the ruthless gangster who holds Sammy's debt, and Julia Foster as Patsy, Sammy's former girlfriend who still cares for him despite his flaws. These performances add depth and nuance to the film's world, making it feel even more fully realized.

While the film is certainly a product of its time, with some elements that may feel dated to modern audiences, it remains a powerful and compelling work of cinema. Its themes of desperation, fear, and masculinity are timeless, and its portrayal of London's nightlife is both striking and authentic. The film's ending, which I won't spoil here, is particularly powerful, offering a poignant commentary on the nature of regret and the fleeting nature of life itself.

In conclusion, The Small World of Sammy Lee is a masterpiece of British cinema that still holds up remarkably well nearly 60 years after its initial release. Its portrayal of London's nightlife is both authentic and immersive, and Anthony Newley's performance as Sammy Lee is nothing short of mesmerizing. If you're a fan of British cinema, or simply a fan of powerful character-driven dramas, then this is a film that you simply can't miss.

This is a big screen version of a BBC TV play. Anthony Newley, whose string of Top 20 pop hits had just come to an end, puts in a surprisingly good performance as Sammy Lee, a strip club compère whose gambling debts land him in trouble with gangsters. Newley was a quirky actor and takes some getting used to. Always nice to see Julia Foster who plays a doting innocent, and there are memorable cameos from Warren Mitchell and Miriam Karlin as his brother and his sister-in-law. Set before strip clubs and gambling were entirely lawful, the film is in black-and-white which enhances the period atmosphere. Jazz fans may care to note that the original music is composed by tenor saxist Kenny Graham.

This is definitely worth a look if it comes your way. Tony Newly is gives an uncharacteristicly understated but perfectly judged performance in this evocation of 60s Soho low life. The cast is littered with top quality British acting talent in all the minor roles. A sleazy Robert Stephens as clubbowner; Warren Mitchell and Miriam Karlin a jewish deli owner and his wife give what might seem charicature jewish performances in 21stC but no less endearing for that. Plus Wilfred Bramble, Alfred Burke and Roy Kinnear and a host of others including a very young and delicate Julia Foster If you knew Soho in the 60s there's a huge amount of gorgeous b&w location photography to bring a smile. Spot the landmarks including the famous '2 I's' coffee bar! The acting great and pretty authentic for the period. The plot - seedy entertainer owes gambling debts and needs to raise cash to pay off hoods - is low key and the violence gentle by modern standards but the device keep the momentum going nicely Don't miss it