The Siege of Sidney Street

Inspired by actual events in Edwardian England, The Siege of Sidney Street, co-directed by Robert Baker and Monty Berman, narrates the events surrounding a bloody conflict between British law enforcement and a gang of expat Russian anarchists agitating for Latvian independence through increasingly violent means. While the gangsters’ primary goal may be political rather than criminal, the nihilistic noir sensibility here explodes off the screen, especially the many scenes swirling in mist and shadows, gas streetlamps like burning embers leading to the river. The co-directors, who also share cinematography credit, use low angles, aerial shots, and sheets of light, most notably in the brick walled interrogation room. Nicole Berger plays Sara, the ostensible “moll” and central character (the film is narrated as her flashback) whose relationship with boyfriend Peter (Peter Wyngarde) and the others becomes increasingly strained as crimes are committed and violence escalates. Donald Sinden plays Mannering, an undercover cop who infiltrates the gang and takes a keen interest in Sara too.