Tiger Bay is a British crime film released in 1959, directed by J. Lee Thompson and starring John Mills and Hayley Mills.The film is set in the Tiger Bay district of Cardiff, Wales and tells the story of a young girl named Gillie (played by Hayley Mills) who witnesses a murder and becomes entangled in the investigation.
Tiger Bay was a groundbreaking film for its time, as it was one of the first British films to feature a mixed-race relationship between Gillie and a Polish sailor named Korchinsky (played by Horst Buchholz). The film also dealt with themes of poverty, immigration, and social inequality, and was praised for its realistic depiction of working-class life in post-war Britain.
The film was a critical and commercial success upon its release, and was nominated for several awards, including a BAFTA for Best British Film. It also helped to establish J. Lee Thompson as a leading director in British cinema, and launched the careers of both Hayley Mills and Horst Buchholz.
The making of the film was not without its challenges, however. The production was initially plagued by funding difficulties, and there were concerns about the controversial nature of the film’s subject matter. Additionally, the film’s climactic chase scene, which was shot on location in Cardiff’s docks, was a logistical nightmare to film, as it involved several boats, a helicopter, and dozens of extras.
Despite these challenges, Tiger Bay remains a landmark film in British cinema history, and its realistic portrayal of working-class life and relationships continues to resonate with audiences today.
Superintendent Graham
John Mills
Korchinsky
Horst Buchholz
Gillie
Hayley Mills
Anya
Yvonne Mitchell
Mrs Phillips
Megs Jenkins
Barclay
Anthony Dawson
Det Sgt Harvey
George Selway
Christine
Shari
Dr Das
Marne Maitland
Mrs Williams
Marianne Stone
Director
J Lee Thompson