This socially conscious procedural film is fun to watch, but not quite for the reasons it intended. “Victim” was made when homosexuality was illegal in the UK (this was the first movie in which the word “homosexual” was uttered in the English language) and it dared to tackle the issue of the rampant blackmail epidemic terrorizing gays in high places. Dirk Bogarde (natch) is the gay barrister who stands up for his rights to bend over! The blackmail and detective angles are a bore, but the social elements are fascinating. Certainly liberal in its approach, the film sides with the gays, but the codes of the time are kinda funny. ‘Cause they’re not just gay, they’re British! So, basically, everyone in the film either acts outlandish like Dr. Smith from “Lost in Space” or fumphering and uptight Major from “Fawlty Towers.” This aspect gives this “C” movie the “B-” grade.