The Reckoning *** (1970, Nicol Williamson, Rachel Roberts, Ann Bell, Zena Walker, Paul Rogers) – Classic Movie Review 9587

Director Jack Gold’s 1970 drama The Reckoning stars Nicol Williamson, who powerhouses his way through an unlikeable role as Michael Marler, a working-class Liverpool Irishman who greedily makes his way as a successful businessman in London commerce.

When his father is beaten to death by a gang, he returns eventually to his hometown in the north of England, where he picks up Joyce Eglington (Rachel Roberts) and decides take revenge on the teddy boys who killed his father.

This tough and unsettling story is told with no holds barred by director Gold, who encourages uniformly excellent performances. But, as with the alienated hero, it is a hard film to like. It is, however, much easier to admire.

Also in the cast are Ann Bell, Zena Walker, Paul Rogers, J G Devlin, Gwen Nelson, Christine Hargreaves, Joe Gladwin, Edward Hardwicke, John Normington, Peter Sallis, Douglas Wilmer, Barbara Ewing, Lilita De Barros, Kenneth Hendel, Tom Kempinski, Godfrey Quigley, Ernest C Jennings, Desmond Perry and Jackie Pallo.

John McGrath’s screenplay is based on Patrick Hall’s novel.

© Derek Winnert 2020 Classic Movie Review 9587

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