La trappola

Freelance is an unheralded but pretty good gangster film starring the gregarious Ian McShane as Mitch, a wide boy who makes his living by showing blue movies and arranging shady land deals. He witnesses and stops an apparent mugging on the street, little knowing that he's stepping into the midst of a gangland dispute bigger than he is. Before long he's targeted by the local boss, and Mitch spends the rest of the film trying to elude capture whilst assuring himself of enough income to maintain himself in hiding. As always, McShane is outstanding, and the rest of the cast is fine, including Texan Gayle Hunnicutt, admirable as Mitch's love interest, and Keith Barron as his smarmy but reliable pal Gary. There's a good (uncredited) folk rock title tune and terrific West End location photography. Fans of Get Carter (1971) will enjoy this minor little gem.