Tags
1950's, Crime, Diana Dors, Drama, Geoffrey Keen, J. Lee Thompson, Michael Craig, Yield to the Night, Yvonne Mitchell
Film Title
Yield to the Night
Director
J. Lee Thompson
Starring
- Diana Dors as Mary Hilton
- Yvonne Mitchell as Matron MacFarlane
- Michael Craig as Jim Lancaster
- Geoffrey Keen as Prison Chaplain
A crime drama that also functions as an impassioned plea against the death penalty, Yield to the Night chronicles the last days of a murderess’ life by revealing what drove her to the act in flashback. Grimly powerful and featuring a truly convincing performance from Diana Dors, it really makes a startling impact and still holds up remarkably well today.
The movie begins with a beautiful young blonde woman calmly approaching a glamorous woman as she enters her London home. Without warning, the approaching blonde woman unloads the contents of her gun into the other woman and stands emotionless as a crowd gathers around the dead body. We soon learn that the blonde woman is Mary Hilton and that she has been sentenced to death for her crime, unless she is given a reprieve. As she shuts herself away, has no remorse for her crime and refuses the kind treatment of the matrons; Mary begins to think back on what lead her to killing the woman, whose name was Lucy. Through a series of flashbacks, a lot is revealed about the ultimately tragic story of Mary.
The beautiful Mary was a sales girl who fell hopelessly in love with the charming Jim Lancaster. Crazy for him and holding onto the naive notion of true love, she leaves her own husband who is never really around to be with Jim. But while everything is initially idyllic for Mary, Jim begins to string her along as he grows attracted to the very rich Lucy. Mary can’t take this rejection and sinks into depression as the man she loves chases another woman, who it turns out is using him. It’s when events take a tragic turn, that Mary snaps and thoughts of revenge invade her mind. And while now in prison, as she begins to reflect on what she did, the hours begin to tick away with intent as her life hangs in the balance and at the hands of the justice system.
Yield to the Night is very much a movie that calls for the abolition of the death penalty, but it never feels preachy and in your face. Instead, director J. Lee Thompson employs an up close and personal story of a woman driven by her passion and sense of betrayal to kill. His visual style of unusual angles that frame Mary as a prisoner of her own desire and a vulnerable woman taken advantage of who snaps with jealousy with deadly results is striking to say the least. We are put like flies on the wall into this film, as the setting of her prison cell is confined and restrictive. It is like we are living through the turmoil of knowing that death is going to come very soon to her and the torturous wait endured. As a film, Yield to the Night doesn’t justify Mary’s actions as right. It shows us the sad circumstances that lead to it and gets us to sympathise with her as she has been used so much and feels the only way to deal with it is to take matters into her own hands. The black and white that the film is shot in is very beneficial to such a grim story and gives it a bleak sense of purpose. This is the kind of movie that wouldn’t be very effective in colour as it is so dramatic and gritty. A stark but dramatic score compliments the inevitable sadness of the tale with monotonous drums and brass.
Now before watching Yield to the Night, I only knew Diana Dors as being a glamour girl and buxom bombshell. Well I was so surprised at her performance here, that I want to check out more of her work. Shunning her seductive image, Dors digs deep into the romantic soul of a woman who couldn’t live without taking matters into her own hands as a result of the tragedy that devastated her. Virtually make up free, Dors exudes a weariness, sadness and numbness that gets the audience to feel for Mary as the time passes and we glimpse her sad tale. Her eyes have this haunting quality that is featured heavily throughout the film and I don’t think I will ever forget the look of fear in them. While Yield to the Night belongs to the convincing performance of great depth from Dors, the rest of the cast is very fine.
Yvonne Mitchell in particular stands out as the main matron who becomes fond of Mary and becomes very close with her in the weeks prior to her sentence. Michael Craig is a suitable louse as Jim, whose selfish stringing along of Mary and obsession with Lucy cost him very dearly. Geoffrey Keen is well cast as the prison chaplain, who is kind to Mary and wants to help her while she is still alive.
Striking but impassioned and very topical upon its release, Yield to the Night is a grimly powerful film that benefits from the immensely committed performance by Diana Dors and sympathetic direction.
Color me interested. Sounds intriguing. Great read my friend!
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Thanks Keith, it is worth checking out as it holds up very well.
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I haven’t seen this but after your excellent review I’m adding it to my watch list.
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It’s a bleak film but very powerful and dramatic.
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This is basically the Ruth Ellis story. She was the last woman to be executed for murder in the UK. Diana is an excellent actress, and had great roles when she was older too. (And much larger) She was also in the ‘Prince Charming’ video with Adam and The Ants. The modern version of the story is superb too, with Miranda Richardson as Ruth Ellis.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088987/
Good one, V. As ever, Pete.
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I was aware with the parallels to the Ruth Ellis story, though I read that the filmmaker said it was coincidental. This was the first part I saw Diana Dors in and I was so impressed with it. I’ll have to check out the modern version with Richardson, she is such a reliable performer.
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Dance With A Stranger is a wonderful film, V. Oozes British class, unlike so many others these days.
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It sounds really fascinating and it’s good to see a good British movie. I’ve read bits about Ellis but never really studied it, I really should.
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On the subject of Diana Dors, are there any movies of hers that you think I should watch?
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This is a great look at life in London not long after the war.(When I was a toddler!)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0048250
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This is set in a female baths, during the late 80s.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0090070/
And worth a look, if you can find it.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passport_to_Shame
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0053225/
Some to be going on with.
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I’m making notes of these now Pete. You’re so well rounded when it comes to movies Pete, I admire that.
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I have a soft spot for curvy ladies, V, blonde or brunette!
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Oh you saucy devil, I’m like you. Curvy looks so sexy and I don’t mind any colour.
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May I inquire what attracts you to curvy ladies Pete?
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The bits that curve mate, what else?
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Very good point Pete. Curvy is gorgeous.
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And if you though Yvonne Mitchell was good in this, check this amazing performance out!
http://www.theguardian.com/film/video/2012/jul/26/woman-in-dressing-gown-video-review
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I’m gonna check that link out very soon and make a note of this movie. May I say I’m loving your recommendations Pete.
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I always think of that music video when someone mentions Diana Dors as well!! Her dress was too big at the top, it gapes (I always remember that too!) Hi Pete! x
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Being a bloke, I like a ‘gape’, Em! x
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Haha! Touché 🙂 x
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And there is this, a TV-type film of her life. Not her in it, unfortunately, but it’s reasonably accurate.
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Cheers for the links Pete, you’re a real gem on all matter cinematic.
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That should have said ‘thought’, but you guessed that, I’m sure. Yvonne Mitchell is a bit of an unsung heroine of mine. Always acted so well, though she didn’t always get the most sympathetic parts.
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I’ll be sure to check out more of her work. Now I gotta sign off for some sleep, been great talking to you mate.
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This sounds absolutely brilliant, something I’d really enjoy. I am going to put this at the top of my watch list 🙂 another brilliant review Vinnie!
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It’s a really powerful movie Emma, and the performance from Dors is outstanding.
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I know I’ll enjoy this, this is definitely being watched very soon!
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Be sure to tell me what you think of it.
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I will do!
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Thanks Emma, love the conversations we share.
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Me too, always makes me smile!
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That feeling is mutual.
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Good 🙂
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You always find such great films I’ve never heard of and do them justice with a fab review.
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Why thank you Alex, I like bringing movies that deserve more attention to people’s attentions. Makes blogging so fun unearthing hidden gems.
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Speaking of someone who writes well. Wonderful review!
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Thanks so much, I try my best to capture the essence of the movies I watch.
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You’re welcome!
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You flatter me so.
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This one is definitely going on the list, sounds very much like something I’d like. Great review mate
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I’ll be interested in hearing what you make of this movie.
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I’ll be watching this one for sure. Great review!!!
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It may be grim in parts but it really packs a punch and delivers with gritty impact.
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I love grim.lol
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Well in that case you’ll be right at home with this movie.
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