"Narcy" Narcissus (They Made Me a Fugitive)

"I don't like being criticized. I've got a very sensitive nature, you know. You wouldn't think it, but I have."

(Narcy, They Made Me a Fugitive)

The Villain

"Narcy" Narcissus is a fierce British gang boss who works the black market. And! He's a narcissist. But hey, he's a gentleman of the code. That is to say, he may be an ass, but he's got class. (That makes it okay.)

He has a tendency towards cruelty and violence, but he is also very well versed in sophistication. He has an admirable conscience, in terms of fashion. He is also very handsome. It all works together very well.

The Story

It's the 1940s, London. Clem (a new member of Narcy's gang) challenges Narcy's decision to begin dealing in drugs. Outwardly, they seem to come to terms without too much trouble, but Narcissus has already developed a grudge. In the middle of their next job, Narcissus and his partner, Soapy, frame and abandon Clem to the police, and a 15-year sentence in jail.

However, Clem escapes, and things become messy for everyone remotely involved. Lines are blurred as associates and lovers are caught in the crossfires as Clem seeks revenge, Soapy seeks to escape, and Narcy prepares his defenses.

The Movie

The antagonist shares about an equal amount of screen time as the protagonist, which does not happen often enough in film. It's excellent.

They Made Me a Fugitive is b/w, released in 1947. Abandon any preconceived notions of film noir being boring! If you are interested in gangsters, organized crime or appreciate the witty & sophisticated type, you will like this movie. It's the origins of class, here! All the silly antics of modern day assholes, guys like Narcy are the development of style and finesse in all its authenticity.

The plot is intelligent, and the movie is dark and humorous. The characters create a dimensional web of relations that fuel the story. Actor Griffith Jones (Narcissus) embodies his character brilliantly.

Here is the appetizer. The lagging/tinny audio is my computer's fault. Sorry!

It's really hard not to just take all of the Narcy scenes and be like, "HERE WATCH." And what I do show you here is not even the best of 'em. If you do watch the movie, let me know! I would be so excited, you would make my day!

Note: They Made Me a Fugitive was originally released in the UK as I Became a Criminal, careful not to confuse it with another movie by the title of They Made Me a Criminal.

They Made Me a Fugitive = I Became a Criminal

They Made Me a Fugitive = / = They Made Me a Criminal