'A closeted lawyer risks his career to bring a blackmailer to justice.'
It's a little difficult today to think about closeted gay men being so controversial, but 1961's Victim really leaned into using sensational taglines and catchphrases. They challenged audiences to ask themselves if they were 'adult' enough to see the film, and claimed the film was one of the world's most un-talked about subject, and that it delt with 'perhaps' one of the most controversial themes the screen has ever dared to touch.
Although there were no sex scenes in the film, and not a hint of nudity, the film promoted how the movie was praised by some, and banned by others. I guess with the current political attack on the LGBTQ people, especially those in the transgender community, it shouldn't be that shocking. The funny thing about Victim is that although 'hidden' gay men are core to the story, it's the neo-noir and suspense elements that really drew me into the story.
I DVR'd the film months ago when it aired on TCM, but only just watched it last weekend. The film opens by introducing us to Jack Barrett, (Peter McEnery) whose on the fun after the police show up at his workplace. He's in the closet, and being blackmailed over his sexuality. He attempts to call a friend, and former lover, Melville Farr, (Dirk Bogarde) but Farr hangs up, thinking it's Barrett actually trying to blackmail him.
Farr is now a successful barrister thriving in his London practice, he's now married, and trying to keep his former life in the rear view mirror. Barrett is soon picked up by the police and put in jail, and Farr then learns the truth. Sadly it's too late for Barrett who hangs himself in his cell. Farr quickly learns that the person behind Barrett's blackmail is actually part of a larger scheme, harassing and blackmailing many men in the London area.
When I watched the film, I initially assumed I didn't know any of the actors in the film. Although I'd heard the name 'Dirk Bogarde' before, I was sure I hadn't seen him in a film before. I was of course, very wrong.
I'd seen pieces of 1971's Death In Venice on television when I was a kid. I couldn't tell you anything about it then, but remembered the scenes of an older man obsessing over the beautiful young Tadzino, (Björn Andrésen) I think it struck me as I hadn't seen any scenes like that on film or on television before.
I watched the film in full about 10 years ago, but it wasn't until after seeing Victim, that I realized that the old man, Gustav, was played by Bogarde. I previously did a piece on the film, with a focus on the stage and ballet adaptations, on FH HERE:
I thought actor Peter McEnery looked a little familiar when I saw the opening scenes of Victim. It wasn't until Googling after, I realized he played Mr. Stone in 1970's Entertaining Mr. Stone. I previously featured the film when I did a theme day on the story, and the many actors who played the role. (HERE:)
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