What’s it about?
Payroll is a classic crime film involving the robbery of a high-tech payroll van in a moody Newcastle setting. In typical heist movie fashion, the drama comes from the fallout of the botched job. However, there’s a refreshing grittiness to the plot, filled with double crosses and brutality. The robbery itself is one of the most savage seen on British screens.
Who’s in it?
As with many British crime films of the 1960s, the cast is incredibly strong. The villainous ensemble surrounding the main crime is led by Michael Craig, Tom Bell, Kenneth Griffith and Barry Keegan. Alongside these we have a femme fatale in the form of French actress Françoise Prévost, as well as a powerful role for a young Billie Whitelaw. Any fans of classic British film and television will have a field day spotting the performers filling the film’s smaller roles, most notably an uncredited appearance from Anthony Bate.