Brighton Rock is a classic. I went to college down there, and when I watched the film I kept looking for familiar landmarks. Much of the town has changed since the late 1940s of course, although the seafront and pier was pretty similar. But you're right, that the film is one of the most depressing depictions of that era that I've ever seen. Especially because Brighton was supposedly a place for seaside getaways and dirty weekends. Grim.

Oh, yeah, and Dickie Attenbrough was the Chancellor of Sussex University while I was there—just over the South Downs from Brighton. I think they managed to get him because of his connection to the town. It's funny but I've only just made the connection between this lovable old Santa figure and the menace in that movie. Like completely different people. Ah, acting...