by Jennifer Drewett
The Imitation Game is a film not only about Alan Turing’s work during the war but the way in which his achievements were besmirched by his conviction for being gay in 1952 which was responsible for the sequence of events that lead to his suicide in 1954. To say there were issues in the criminal justice system in the 1950s is a massive understatement (not as if it’s flawless in the present day - there are still issues that need sorting!) There was another massive miscarriage of justice in the 1950s that later received a film adaptation: the story of Derek Bentley. The film I’m talking about is the 1991 film Let Him Have It.
The Imitation Game is a film not only about Alan Turing’s work during the war but the way in which his achievements were besmirched by his conviction for being gay in 1952 which was responsible for the sequence of events that lead to his suicide in 1954. To say there were issues in the criminal justice system in the 1950s is a massive understatement (not as if it’s flawless in the present day - there are still issues that need sorting!) There was another massive miscarriage of justice in the 1950s that later received a film adaptation: the story of Derek Bentley. The film I’m talking about is the 1991 film Let Him Have It.
Here’s the factual context for this film: Derek Bentley was a nineteen year old who was convicted for the murder of policeman Sidney Miles. His sentence was to be executed and that sentence was carried out on 28th January 1953 in Wandsworth prison despite major protests from not only Bentley’s family but the outraged public. The miscarriage of justice? Bentley wasn’t the person who actually shot Miles - that was 16 year old Christopher Craig, who couldn’t be put to death because of his age so instead was jailed and later free to live a crime-free existence thereafter. The other injustice is that Bentley was found to be “borderline retarded” by 1950s standards, a low IQ and was illiterate - how could he be mentally capable of standing trial which is difficult even for neurologically typical defendant? It would be another 45 years before Bentley would get a pardon albeit posthumously in 1998, seven years after Let Him Have It was made.
The film itself is underpinned with tragedy throughout, documenting Derek Bentley’s life from the night in 1941 where, as a young boy, he survived his street is bombed but without consequences. The chaos and instability of the night is a striking visual introduction to our story, a clear indication that the film-makers are pulling absolutely no punches. This is clear for example when we see Derek’s fits, his family life, the representation of post-War boys and the very limited knowledge and acceptance within 1950s society. There are many themes running through this rich and intricate film and every single one is done with brutal precision with a simple yet haunting music score accompanying it.
The film itself is underpinned with tragedy throughout, documenting Derek Bentley’s life from the night in 1941 where, as a young boy, he survived his street is bombed but without consequences. The chaos and instability of the night is a striking visual introduction to our story, a clear indication that the film-makers are pulling absolutely no punches. This is clear for example when we see Derek’s fits, his family life, the representation of post-War boys and the very limited knowledge and acceptance within 1950s society. There are many themes running through this rich and intricate film and every single one is done with brutal precision with a simple yet haunting music score accompanying it.
The casting is excellent. This film was Christopher Eccleston’s film debut. He would go on to play some wonderful roles including the titular character in the 1996 film Jude, David Stephens in Shallow Grave and, of course, the 9th incarnation of the Doctor in Doctor Who. The portrayal of Derek is stark and powerful. Eccleston portrays the child-like vulnerability and naiivity wonderfully in contrast not only to the seemingly streetwise and arrogant Christopher Craig played by Paul Reynolds but to the harshness of Lord Goddard played by Michael Gough. Bentley’s parents and sister Iris are also excellently played by Tom Courtenay, Eileen Atkins and Clare Holman. This all-star cast help bring to life a beautifully written story.
This is a film steeped in tragedy without being a cliche brigade or any kind of visual or audio overload. It is a wonderfully put together film. If you haven’t already seen it, I highly recommend changing that as soon as you are able. Get a box of tissues at the ready if you cry at films because you may well need it.
This is a film steeped in tragedy without being a cliche brigade or any kind of visual or audio overload. It is a wonderfully put together film. If you haven’t already seen it, I highly recommend changing that as soon as you are able. Get a box of tissues at the ready if you cry at films because you may well need it.
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