Of course this is bold, brave, daring and ahead of its time, but it is also a thrilling and emotional ride. I had rather expected this to be earnest and prejudiced, presenting the case against the then law against homosexuality, as if to a child. But, this opens at a gallop and barely pauses as we struggle to find out what is causing the young lad to run for his life seeking help from old colleagues. Along the way we catch fantastic glimpses of late 50s/early 60s London, particularly St Martins Lane, Cambridge Circus and Chiswick Mall. There are several scenes shot inside The Salisbury pub which apparently was a gay pub at the time, although not openly presumably. Dirk Bogarde is great in what can't have been an easy role, particularly at that time. He plays well off Sylvia Syms, who also does well and even Dennis Price puts his head on the block with a similarly brave performance. It would be nice to think todays film makers might be able to make a film with something to say that is also a thrill to watch. Fat chance.

It's weird looking back at the older movies and then slowly getting more modern. It's interesting to see the movies tackle on more mature subjects. This is the earliest movie I have seen that was explicitly about homosexuality. It's kind of cheating for me to give this 10 stars. It's not the best written of its kind, but I simply love it. It might only be because it's great to see an early positive and realistic portrayal of homosexual discrimination. I had no idea that the British actually banned homosexuality, but I don't know how accurate this is. This is a disgusting notion that stops people from being unique and living their lives to the fullest. I don't want to make this review a political rant.The story features a guy who is not only gay, but also happens to have a wife himself. It's revealed that while it was mostly a cover-up, he does sincerely care about his wife, just not in that way. I don't think I have even seen any modern movies that deal with this topic. It truly is interesting to see something most people would just not talk about being discussed in such an old movie. The pacing is great and it never felt too long or short. The acting is quite good and I really feel for all these characters as their lives are being destroyed simply because of whom they love. Historically, I know very little about the history of gay rights. Well, this doesn't deal with American struggles. It's still a wonderful film that everyone should see. God doesn't make junk. ****

Jack Barrett is a young construction worker who is hunted by the police and in over his head for something mysterious. He races throughout London but few of his contacts are willing to help. He tries to find married lawyer Melville Farr. Somebody is blackmailing homosexuals which is illegal at the time. Barrett has stolen £2,300 from his employer to pay the blackmail. Police Detective Inspector Harris is actually more interested to find the blackmailer and seeks the help of Farr after Barrett hangs himself in jail.The first thirty minutes is quite a compelling paranoid thriller. I'm probably not smart enough or maybe the audience at the time would understand some of the hints being thrown around. I just didn't realize the blackmail was about homosexuals at first until Harris literally spells it out. This is edgy socially-dangerous material for its time.

Since this film has so many reviews, I shall simply focus entirely on the impact that this film had on my inner emotions vis a vis the main character - Dirk Brogade who plays the barrister/solicitor.Mr. Brogade is an another fine actor from the British screen. He is so compelling and unforgettable in this role and thankfully he does it justice because Mr. Brogade brings to life or parallels the perils of homosexuality in a time when gay people were persecuted criminally. The Victim is an apt title but you really ponder how many victims in this cruel and well acted drama?I urge all to watch this beautifully written and directed and extremely well acted film but most of all, follow-up the actual plot with real life struggles that gay people assumed at the time of the criminalization of homosexuality.