J. Lee Thompson was clearly a natural director - look at his visual command. Good with actors too (or, at least, casting). Andrew Ray is an excellent young lead and the support can't be faulted - William Sylvester, Kenneth More (dad), Kathleen Ryan.
Some tremendous moments - the death of Ray's friend. The terror of the final chase. Ray befriending a nice prostitute. This got an X which caused much criticism but it is an adult kids film.
I didn't like it much, have to say. It didn't make sense that Sylvester would put in so much effort to grooming Ray. Does he need an Oliver Twist that much? If Ray had witnessed a crime or knew something - sure. But Ray was part of kids mucking around which led one to die.
Also the relationship between Ray and Sylvester lacks much weight. It's grooming under blackmail. There's no genuine friendship/family stuff like in Treasure Island or Hunted or Moonfleet.
Maybe if Sylvester and More had swapped parts - Sylvester is menacing, More has that breezy charm. I also feel these movies work better when there isn't a dad figure around.
Watching this I wish Thompson had done a version of Treasure Island.
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