THE BLUE LAMP is a police story that some say is the future template for the genre. This drama is about the Paddington Green police station with a focus on two Bobbies; one the veteran George Dixon(Jack Wagner)and rookie on the beat, Andy Mitchell(Jimmy Hanley). A mundane routine has Dixon ready to retire and Mitchell eager to make himself a career. A quiet London neighborhood gets a buzz on when two lowlife hoodlums(Dirk Bogard and Patric Doonan)commit murder. The plot and acting are impressive and a fine dedication to the policemen that walk the beat and earn the respect of the people they protect. Other players: Bruce Seaton, Robert Flemyng, Bernard Lee and Peggy Lewis. Filmed entirely in London and directed by Basil Dearden.

A nice way to pass a few hours with a cup of tea and sandwiches. Jolly old England - after the Blitz and before Rock and Roll. Boy, times look tough in post war London, many things were still rationed (infact ration books didn't end until 1954!). Hardly a car on the street too!Some solid, dry acting. The police act very cool and business like - wish I could say the same for the constantly screeching Peggy Evans. Dirk Bogarde looks great - That look wouldn't look out of place in a modern day film. Very cool hair! Crisp sound and some really great camera work and nice lighting. Storywise - the ending could have been a bit more imaginative. Time for a beefed up remake - Guy Ritchie?

The repercussions of a robbery that goes awry after two "adult delinquents", robbing the check out counter of a coliseum, results in the shooting of a London street copper.The film shows the time leading up to the robbery, both the veteran "bobby", PC Dixon(Jack Warner), questioning whether or not to retire after many years of service, and how his new green partner, Andy Mitchell(Jimmy Hanley),(..who rents a room from him)helps in that decision. Meanwhile hoodlums, Tom Riley(Dirk Bogarde)and Spud(Patric Doonan)coerce a young woman, Diana Lewis(Peggy Evans), into helping them concoct a sting operation in order to score some easy loot. When Dixon startles Riley, the result is multiple gun shots to the copper's chest. Fleeing the scene of the crime, we watch as the trio fall apart at the seams while Scotland Yard begin their investigation as Dixon attempts, unsuccessfully, to rebound from his injuries. Mitchell might just get a chance to avenge his partner when a series of circumstances implicate the criminals.Early Ealing Studios picture, directed by Basil Dearden, with an early performance from Dirk Bogarde who's excellent as a cocky, brash heel getting in a lot of hot water as his Tom Riley's jealousy and fear cause a cycle of damaging events leading to a thrilling car and foot chase through London streets, climaxing into a dog-track. We see the investigation and the effects of Dixon's death on the crime-fighters, while Riley and girlfriend Diana's tumultuous relationship tears apart with jealousy towards Spud increasing the ever-growing friction. We see how fate can deal a bad hand as Dixon's contemplating retirement and deciding to remain a cop leads to his doom. And, how Mitchell remains strong with an impressive resolve despite the fact that his partner's murderer remains at large with citizens holding a not-so-fond view(..at times a vocal contempt) of the police. The film does show that the trio of criminals' plan was badly prepared, with them making poor decisions which cost them dearly.The film is a call to arms in which the police must better prepare themselves for the evolving types of criminals which were appearing from the woodwork and that approaching hoodlums should change for safety's sake.

An excellent film for its time, but would barely make for an episode of the "Bill" these days.Officers do still have a relationship with the local underworld, that's one thing that computerisation has failed to eradicate, incredibly its still possible to Police by instinct - even these days.The other similarity is that a largely unarmed Force is still out there confronting criminals who are sometimes armed and young Officers do pay the ultimate price for their bravery - remember that.Maybe the new Ealing should make for a 21st Century re-make (Like they have with St Trinian's). A Police drama from the ordinary copper's point of view that would make a change ! Anybody in "The Job" knows that the majority of the TV Dramas bear little relation to the real world however gritty the script or artistically they are filmed. Come on Ealing I dare you.