The Good Die Young is a British crime drama film released in 1954, directed by Lewis Gilbert and starring Laurence Harvey, Richard Basehart, John Ireland, and Gloria Grahame. The story follows four men who are at loose ends in their lives and turn to crime when a wealthy playboy named Miles participates in a plan to rob a mail van. Miles is narcissistic, amoral, and manipulative, always looking for cheap thrills and new ways to amuse himself. He convinces the other men to join him in the robbery, promising them a share of the spoils. However, the heist goes awry and results in the death of an innocent bystander. The four men are then pursued by the police and their own guilt, which threatens to tear them apart. As the story progresses, viewers are shown the character flaws of each individual and how they react under pressure. Unlike many other heist films, The Good Die Young is more about the men than the robbery. It delves deep into the characters and their backstories, revealing their motivations and weaknesses. The film has been praised for its tension, sharp dialogue, and nuanced performances. However, it was controversial in its day for its portrayal of crime and violence, and its message that crime rarely pays.
