---
title: "The Offence"
year: 1973
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/the-offence-1973"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 32615
imdb_id: null
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 113
community_rating: 6.8
vote_count: 0
content_rating: "R"
---

# The Offence (1973) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/the-offence-1973

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

The Offence is a 1973 crime, drama, and thriller film released in the United States on May 11, 1973. Directed with a runtime of one hour and fifty-three minutes, the movie centers on detective-sergeant Johnson, whose twenty years of grueling police work have left him thoroughly burned out and on the verge of total destruction.

Culturally and textually significant as an adaptation, the screenplay was written by John Hopkins based on his 1968 stage play titled This Story of Yours. The film maintains an intense, brooding tone as it explores the psychological breaking point of its protagonist during the interrogation of a suspected child molester.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A burned-out British police detective finally snaps while interrogating a suspected child molester."

### Why Watch
- It features a screenplay by John Hopkins, adapted from his 1968 stage play This Story of Yours.
- It explores the heavy psychological toll of police work over a twenty-year career.
- It delivers an intense crime and drama thriller narrative with a runtime of one hour and fifty-three minutes.

### Caveats & Content Note
- It deals with grim thematic subject matter involving a suspected child molester.
- Tone & Suitability: The film maintains a serious and intense tone throughout its one hour and fifty-three minute runtime, focusing heavily on dark crime drama themes suited for mature audiences.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: #crime, #drama, #thriller, #psychological, #investigation, #dark

## Streaming Availability Matrix

Direct streaming licensing updates dynamically. Consult the live tracking interface at https://www.archytele.com/show/the-offence-1973#watch.

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Sidney Lumet
- **Networks / Studios**: Tantallon

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Sean Connery** as *Detective Sergeant Johnson*
- **Trevor Howard** as *Lieutenant Cartwright, Detective Superintendant*
- **Vivien Merchant** as *Maureen Johnson*
- **Ian Bannen** as *Kenneth Baxter*
- **Peter Bowles** as *Detective Inspector Cameron*
- **Derek Newark** as *Frank Jessard*
- **Ronald Radd** as *Lawson*
- **John Hallam** as *Panton*
- **Anthony Sagar** as *Hill*
- **Maxine Gordon** as *Janie*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Where can I stream The Offence?
Streaming availability can be checked on platforms like The Movie Database, where the film is listed as available for streaming.

### Q: Is The Offence worth watching?
It is worth watching for fans of intense 1970s crime dramas and psychological thrillers based on stage plays.

### Q: What is the runtime or binge duration?
The film has a total runtime of one hour and fifty-three minutes.

### Q: How many episodes does it have?
The Offence is a feature-length film lasting one hour and fifty-three minutes rather than a multi-episode television series.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [The Offence — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/32615)
- [The Offence - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Offence)

---
*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*