There was never much chance that this would be a popular film in this country, dealing as it does with the gunning down of British officers by Irish terrorists, albeit in 1920. It is, however, a good one, photographed in crystal-clear colour and sturdily crafted by director Robert Knights. Though not always gripping, it's solidly acted by a distinguished cast, plus fresh young newcomer Rebecca Pidgeon as the 18-year-old girl who befriends fugitive freedom fighter Anthony Hopkins. And Jean Simmons, once a bright 18-year-old of the British cinema herself, has a tellling 'tipsy' scene in which she confesses to having been "happy, calm and useless most of my life".

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