Comrades (1986)

73% of users liked it
(120 ratings)

Set in the 1830s, this historical drama stars Robin Soans as George Loveless, a Methodist minister whose flock is a group of working families in Tolpuddle, a small town in the British Southwest. Most of the workers in the community are under the thumb of Frampton (Robert Stephens), a ruthless land… More Set in the 1830s, this historical drama stars Robin Soans as George Loveless, a Methodist minister whose flock is a group of working families in Tolpuddle, a small town in the British Southwest. Most of the workers in the community are under the thumb of Frampton (Robert Stephens), a ruthless land owner, and his overseer Clerk (Murray Melvin); Frampton and Clerk demand long hours from their workers and pay meager wages. Convinced that the workers deserve a better shake, Loveless, encouraged by organizer Mr. Pitt (Michael Hordern), forms the Society of Friends, an early labor union, and organizes the men to negotiate with Frampton for better pay. When their salaries are instead cut, Loveless and his men go on strike, which could cripple Frampton financially. However, Frampton is well-connected, and soon both the government and private militias are sent in to break the strike and punish the rebellious laborers. The supporting cast includes James Fox, Freddie Jones, and Vanessa Redgrave. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 3 hr. 2 min.
Directed By: Bill Douglas
Written By: Bill Douglas
Genres: Drama

In Theaters: Jan 13, 1989 Wide
On DVD: Jul 27, 2009

Critic Reviews

Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
A remarkable epic film by Bill Douglas.

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Cast

            Robin Soans as George Loveless

            William Gaminara as James Loveless

            Stephen Bateman as Old Tom Stanfield

            Philip Davis as Young Stanfield

            Jeremy Flynn as Brine

            Keith Allen as James Hammett

            Alex Norton as Diorama Showman

            Michael Clark as Sailor

            Arthur Dignam as Fop

            James Fox as Norfolk

            Michael Hordern as Mr. Pitt

            Freddie Jones as Vicar

            Vanessa Redgrave as Mrs. Carlyle

            Robert Stephens as Frampton

            Imelda Staunton as Betsy Loveless

            Dave Atkins as Mr. Frampton's Foreman

            Katy Behean as Sarah Loveless

            Lynette Curran as Prostitute

            Joanna David as Mrs. Frampton

            Patrick Field as John Hammett

            John Hargreaves as Convict

            Alex McCrindle as Jailor

            Murray Melvin as Clerk

            Malcolm Terris as Gentleman Farmer

            Valerie Whittington as Elvi Stanfield

            Barbara Windsor as Mrs. Wetham

            Sandra Voe as Diana Stanfield

            John Lee as Juggler

            Mark Brown as Legg
See full cast

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