Villain (1971 film)

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Villain

Meet Vic Dakin. Then wish you hadn't.
Directed by Michael Tuchner
Produced by Jay Kanter
Elliott Kastner
Alan Ladd, Jr.
Written by James Barlow Novel
Dick Clement
Ian La Frenais
Al Lettieri Adaptation
Starring Richard Burton
Ian McShane
T.P. McKenna
Frank Fletcher
Donald Sinden
Music by Jonathan Hodge
Cinematography Christopher Challis
Editing by Ralph Sheldon
Distributed by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (US)
MGM-EMI (UK)
Release date(s) May 26, 1971
Running time 98 min.
Country United Kingdom
Language English
All Movie Guide profile
IMDb profile

Villain is a 1971 gangster film directed by Michael Tuchner and starring Richard Burton, Ian McShane, T.P. McKenna and Donald Sinden.

It tells the story of ruthless East End gangster Vic Dakin and his plans for an ambitious raid on the wages van of a plastic factory. This is a departure from Dakin's usual modus operandi, and the job is further complicated by his having to work with fellow gangster Frank Fletcher's firm. As Dakin plots, Wolfe wheels and deals and MP Draycott gets caught in a web of his own iniquity, they are doggedly pursued by Inspector Bob Matthews (Nigel Davenport) who's just waiting for Dakin to slip up.

The film was written by the unusual combination of well-known British comedy television writers Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais and the American actor Al Lettieri, renowned for his 'tough-guy' image in films such as The Godfather and The Getaway.

Contents

The film is noted for its fast-paced and colourful dialogue, for example:

Bob Matthews: I don't know what you expect to get out of this, Dakin, apart from maybe an orgasm.
Vic Dakin: Don't be a berk all your life, Sergeant.
Bob Matthews: It's Inspector now.
Vic Dakin: Bit extra on your widow's pension.
Edgar Lewis: He's losing a lot of claret, Vic.
Vic Dakin: Boxed in and buggered! What is it?
Henry: Big tough boys.
Frank Fletcher: They're the local rugby team.
Henry: Well, they'll be short on Saturday.
Vic Dakin: Fancy living here.
Webb: Nice and quiet.
Vic Dakin: Stupid punters. Telly all the week, screw the wife Saturday.
Vic Dakin: Go and make a phone call, Terry.
Terry: Who to?
Vic Dakin: I don't know, your fairy-sodding-godmother.

Ian McShane revealed recently in The Daily Mail the he had mixed feelings about playing Richard Burton's bisexual lover. 'After kissing me, he's going to beat the hell out of me and it's that kind of relationship - rather hostile. It was very S&M. It wasn't shown in the film. He said to me "I'm very glad you're doing this film." I said, "So am I Richard." He said, "You know why, don't you?". I said, "Why?". He said, "You remind me of Elizabeth". I guess that made the kissing easier.'

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