The Long Haul

Harry (Victor Mature) and Connie have a horrible marriage. You don't realize to what extent when the film begins...but there are definite signs they are having trouble when she refuses to move to the States when Harry's hitch in the service is over...and they HAD agreed on this move. Harry gives in and later his resentment comes out...in the form of a sexy receptionist, Lynn (Diana Dors). However, there is much more to the story...in fact, the main thrust of the film is Harry's job with a trucking company in the UK. It's run by a real creep, Joe Easy (Patrick Allen) and the guy isn't above faking hijackings of his trucks (so he can sell the loads), slapping folks about and even murder!! So how does Harry fit into all this?

In many ways, this film has a very noir feel to it. However, unlike most American noir pictures, pretty much everyone in it is a jerk! Connie is a poor excuse for a wife, Harry's moral compass becomes more and more bent through the course of the film and everyone has an aura of sliminess about them. This is NOT a complaint...more an observation. If you are looking for heroes...well, you won't really find any here....just jerks and bigger and nastier jerks! My complaint isn't really this...it's the ending when, inexplicably, there is some selflessness! Still, an exciting British film...and worth seeing.