Villain

‘E’s punsy, mother-loving, vicious as hell, thriving on protection money, and game for armed robbery. His stock in trade is sheer intimidation, half of London wouldn’t squeak if he pissed down their throats, the rest couldn’t last long.

A psychopath is unpredictable in many respects, but in one he can be relied upon. Put him in the way of his most ardent preoccupation of the moment and he will run the course, which is how the police nab him in front of witnesses to fill the gallery.

A calm, analytical role for Richard Burton. A superb cast of tetchy hoods and urbane coppers.