Bellman and True *** (1987, Bernard Hill, Derek Newark, Richard Hope, Kieran O’Brien) – Classic Movie Review 10,644

Security Sergeant: ‘It’s official – it’s a fuck-up.’

Director Richard Loncraine’s 1987 British crime thriller Bellman and True showcases a smashing performance by a totally credible Bernard Hill as Hiller, a computer-alarms system expert burglar with his troublesome kid, The Boy (Kieran O’Brien), in tow (shades of Paper Moon).

Hill’s performance keeps this macho, incisive, noir-style bank heist movie on its toes all the way. After a long, detailed build-up, it turns into a thoroughly sharp (though familiar) action thriller with a tough tone, tension throughout and a most satisfying ending.

The edited-down feature film version runs 117 minutes, and omits some of the preparation leading up to the robbery and some parts of the plot. It was premiered at the London Film Festival on 12 November 1987, shown in cinemas and released on video. The much longer 150-minute three-part TV mini-series version, shown on ITV in the UK in three one-hour episodes on consecutive nights on 5 to 7 June 1989. The feature film version is crisp, clear and dynamic, while the TV mini-series version seems padded and too drawn-out while still enjoyable.

The screenplay by Desmond Lowder, Richard Loncraine and Michael Wearing is based on the novel by Desmond Lowder.

Also in the cast are Derek Newark, Kieran O’Brien, Richard Hope, Frances Tomelty, John Kavanagh, Ken Bones, Arthur Whybrow, Jim Dowdall, Peter Howell, Kate McEnery, Anne Carroll and Frank Mills.

Bellman and True is made by Euston Films, HandMade Films, and Thames Television, and released on VHS by Cannon Video (1989) (UK). It is shot by Ken Westbury, produced by Michael Wearing and Christopher Neame, scored by Colin Towns and designed by Jon Bunker.

The title Bellman and True comes from the names of two fox hounds in the lyrics of the 18th-century fox-hunting ballad Do Ye Ken John Peel. In the film, bellman is slang for an expert on alarm systems.

© Derek Winnert 2020 Classic Movie Review 10,644

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