The Weak and the Wicked

The Weak and the Wicked (1954)

The sensational naked shame expose of women's prisons!

Jean Raymond an upper class woman with a gambling addiction, is given a twelve-month prison sentence resulting from her inability to pay her debts. At first she is overwhelmingly depressed by life in the women's prison; gradually, however, her misery is relieved by the many close friends she makes there. This sympathetic drama traces the contrasting lives and often faltering progress of the inmates of a women's prison.

Date of release
1954-02-02
TMDB
6.5 / 10 (13)
Runtime
1h 28m
Genres
Drama
Director
J. Lee Thompson

Casting

Interesting facts

The Weak and the Wicked is a 1954 British drama film directed by J. Lee Thompson and starring Glynis Johns and Diana Dors. It was written by Anne Burnaby, Thompson and Joan Henry, based on the 1952 autobiographical novel Who Lie in Gaol by Henry.

Production

Joan Henry was a writer who had connections in society. She had a gambling problem, and was sentenced to twelve months in prison for passing a fraudulent cheque (she claimed she was framed). Henry served eight months at Holloway and the more liberal Askham Grange open prison. At the latter she came under the care of Mary Size. Henry wrote the 1952 best-selling book Who Lie in Gaol about her experience.

The book was read by writer-director J. Lee Thompson, who wanted to turn it into a film. He received backing from Robert Clark, head of production at Associated British. Thompson wound up falling in love with Henry and leaving his wife and two children to marry her.

The British Home Office refused co-operation with the making the film because they were unhappy with its depiction of prison.

Diana Dors was cast only a few weeks after having been convicted in real life of stealing alcohol from a friend's house. The role marked a significant change of pace for Dors, who was better known for comedic roles. Simone Silva was another member of the cast better known for glamour roles.

The film was shot at Elstree Studios and on location in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, filming starting on 10 August 1953 under the title Women Behind Bars. Mary Size and Joan Henry were on set as advisers.

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