This is the first substantial study of British cinema's most neglected genre. Bringing together original work from some of the leading writers on British popular film, this book includes interviews with key directors Mike Hodges (Get Carter) and Donald Cammel (Performance). It discusses an abundance of films including:

* acclaimed recent crime films such as Shallow Grave, Shopping, and Face.

* early classics like They Made Me A Fugitive

* acknowledged classics such as Brighton Rock and The Long Good Friday

* 50s seminal works including The Lavender Hill Mob and The Ladykillers.