Let Him Have It (1991) [PLFEB 30791]

An astonishing and sobering story of the events surrounding the trial for murder of Derek Bentley.

He was a 19-yo who was arrested during the course of an attempted burglary during which his accomplice shot and killed a policeman. As another policeman is demanding that the accomplice hands over his gun, Bentley is alleged to have shouted "Let him have it", which in context could mean either "Shoot him", or "Give him the gun". The judge took a very decided view.

The performances all uniformly excellent. Christopher Eccleston as Bentley is superb, but it's his parents, played by Tom Courtenay and Eileen Atkins who really deliver the emotional punch.

The film is so involving that watching for deficiencies in the laserdisc seems churlish, but this particular one is an excellent transfer at full frame, allowing you the best view of the characters' faces. Sound is restrained with emphasis on perfect dialogue.

A proper film on a proper subject.