1971 British gangster drama VILLAIN is directed by Michael Tuchner, his feature film debut. Starring Richard Burton (Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolf), as a sadistic London gang leader inspired by Ronnie Kray, the film is based on James Barlow's 1968 book Burden of Proof.East End gang chief Vic Dakin is a violent psychopath and teetotaller, living with his mother (Kathleen Nesbitt, An Affair to Remember) - the only woman he can love. Despite making a living from organised crime by running a prosperous protection racket, he has so far avoided arrest. After a tip off of a potential payroll heist opportunity, Dakin starts planning the job, bringing in a gang from the criminal underworld. Tough copper Detective Inspector Robert Matthews (Nigel Davenport, Chariots of Fire) has been tasked to nail Dakin when he makes his first mistake and is watching his every move, determined to catch him in the act. Also starring Ian McShane (John Wick) as Wolfe Lissner, Dakin's small time associate and occasional lover.
