Victim (1961)

Dirk Bogarde’s trailblazing performance is at the centre of this landmark gay classic.
‘I wanted him!’ With these words Dirk Bogarde consigned his matinee idol alter-ego to history, and a gripping landmark in gay cinema was born. Bogarde’s closeted, married lawyer Melville Farr is drawn into exposing a terrifying blackmail ring when an admirer (Peter McEnery) commits suicide rather than implicate him. Supporting the recommendations of the Wolfenden Committee, director Basil Dearden, producer Michael Relph and screenwriter Janet Green denounced the poisonous, institutionalised homophobia gay men of all classes faced, and cleverly packaged the politics within an accessible crime-thriller. Victim, and Bogarde’s courageous appearance in it, helped propel public discourse towards the 1967 Act and beyond – changing lives in the process.
1961 United Kingdom
Directed by
Basil Dearden
Produced by
Michael Relph
Written by
Janet Green, John McCormick
Featuring
Dirk Bogarde, Sylvia Syms, Dennis Price
Running time
100 minutes

Articles related to Victim

10 great

10 great X-certificate films

By Anton Bitel

10 great X-certificate films
Features

Art against hate: queer cinema from repressive countries

By Alex Davidson

Art against hate: queer cinema from repressive countries
Features

The LGBT film highlights of 2017

By Alex Davidson

The LGBT film highlights of 2017
Load more

Rent new and acclaimed films, including those in cinemas now

Features from as little as £2.50, become a BFI Member to get a discount.

Explore rentals on BFI Player