I viewed this film in the 1990's and have always been interested in films which employ British locations. "The Beauty Jungle" uses it's locations to great effect. In particular, the West of England features prominently; Weston Super Mare and Bristol. Essentially the film is an expose on beauty contests and has excellent performances from the leading actors; Ian Hendry and Jannette Scott whom as Journalist/Promoter and Beauty Queen respectively give the film it's dramatic edge. Charting the rise of beauty contest hopeful Shirley Freeman (Jannette Scott) from pretty typist to glamour girl. The film was produced and directed by industry stalwart Val Guest and similar to his earlier works; "Hell is a City" (1959), "The Day the earth caught fire" (1961) and "80'000 Suspects" (1963) he keeps the tempo of the narrative moving at a rapid pace. Great soundtrack from Laurie Johnson and evocative of it's time the early 1960's. I also think the film still has a contemporary theme that of the transient status of 'Celebrity' which is clearly evident with the role of today's media.
Review of Contest Girl
