The Shakedown (1959 film)
The Shakedown is a 1959 black and white British crime-drama film directed by John Lemont, starring Terence Morgan, Hazel Court, and Donald Pleasence. It was filmed in the United Kingdom. The film was banned in Finland (known there as "Häväistyksen kauppiaat"). Plot. Augustus ("Augie") Cortona, a recently released convict, opens up a modelling school and photographic studio that serves as a front for a service enabling amateurs to take erotic photographs, while blackmailing some of the participants by taking pictures through a two-way mirror of their participation. Meanwhile, a longstanding feud with a rival  gangster who took over his operation while he was imprisoned continues. Scotland Yard decide to investigate Cortona by sending an officer, Mildred Eyde, (Hazel Court), to operate undercover by enrolling as a student model. Cortona is smitten by Eyde and begins to woo her. Eyde's cover is blown when Spettigue is informed that she is a policewoman by a fellow con who recognizes her. Police raid the studio in order to rescue her. Cortona tries to flee but is shot by a waiting blackmail victim who has been pushed too far by repeated threats of exposure and demands for  ever more money. As Cortona is dying, despite her feelings of moral disgust, Mildred's pity kneels down, and tries to comfort him. But with his last breath, Cortona repulses her, and says "You're a Bitch". Mildred is led away, appalled. Production. The film was made a Twickenham Film Studios, and on location. A collection of location stills and corresponding contemporary photographs is hosted at reelstreets.com. Critical reception. "TV Guide" wrote: "the performances are all strong and believable, and fast-paced direction helps to gloss over some of the inadequacies in the predictable script." The Shakedown (1959 film) The