The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner (1962)
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74% of critics liked it
(19 reviews) -
87% of users liked it
(2,288 ratings)
One of the key "angry young man" films which helped define the British "Kitchen Sink Drama" style of the late 1950's and early 60's, this story centers on Colin Smith (Tom Courtenay), a bitter young man from a working-class family. Uninterested in school and determined… More One of the key "angry young man" films which helped define the British "Kitchen Sink Drama" style of the late 1950's and early 60's, this story centers on Colin Smith (Tom Courtenay), a bitter young man from a working-class family. Uninterested in school and determined not to follow his father into factory work, Colin and his friend Mike (James Bolam) make their pocket money through petty crime, until they're arrested after the robbery of a baker's shop and sentenced to Borstal (British reform school). The Governor of the school (Michael Redgrave) takes a keen interest in Colin, but he cares less for his rehabilitation than his gifts as a broken-field runner; Colin finds himself torn between the need to please his captors and his determination not to play along with what he sees as a corrupt system. The Loneliness Of The Long Distance Runner was the first film for Courtenay, whose performance earned him the "Most Promising Newcomer" prize at the 1962 British Film Academy awards. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Directed By
- Tony Richardson
- Written By
- Alan Sillitoe
- Genres
- Drama, Classics
Unrated,
- In Theaters
- Jan 1, 1962 Wide
- Studio
- Continental
Critic Reviews
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Variety Staff, Variety
The performance of Tom Courtenay and the imaginative, if sometimes overfussy, direction of Tony Richardson, plus some standout lensing by Walter Lassally makes this a worthwhile pic.
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, Time Out
Most of the period hallmarks of the British New Wave are paraded here.
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Bosley Crowther, New York Times
While this show of compassion may not sit comfortably with those who distrust social agitation and too easy sympathy, it must be said that a splendid presentation is made by Mr. Richardson.
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Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader
More allegory from the depths of the British kitchen sink.
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Simon Crook, Total Film
Ultimately, Richardson's pot-shots at consumerism and class have lost some urgency, but the nihilistic, punky buzz packs an immortal wallop. Classic.
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Cast
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Tom Courtenay
as Colin Smith
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Michael Redgrave
as Governor
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James Bolam
as Mike
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Avis Bunnage
as Mrs. Smith
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James Cairncross
as Jones
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Alec McCowen
as Brown
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Peter Madden
as Mr. Smith
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Julia Foster
as Gladys
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Joe Robinson
as Roach
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Topsy Jane
as Audrey
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John Bull
as Ronalds
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Philip Martin
as Stacey
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Frank Finlay
as Booking Office Clerk
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Peter Duguid
as Doctor
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Robert Percival
as Tory Politician
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Peter Kriss
as Scott
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Arthur Mullard
as Chief Officer
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Anthony Sagar
as Fenton
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John Thaw
as Bosworth
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Dervis Ward
as Detective
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Raymond Austin
as Craig
- James Fox
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Christopher Parker
as Bill Smith
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John Brooking
as Green
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Brian Hammond
as Johnny Smith
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Christopher Williams
as Public School Boy
