The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner (1962)

74% of critics liked it
(19 reviews)
87% of users liked it
(2,229 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 not to follow his father into… 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

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 34 min.
Directed By: Tony Richardson
Written By: Alan Sillitoe
Genres: Drama, Classics

In Theaters: Jan 1, 1962 Wide
On DVD: Feb 13, 2007
Studio: Continental

Critic Reviews

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.
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.
Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader
More allegory from the depths of the British kitchen sink.
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.
Douglas Pratt, DVDLaser
In attempting to straddle dramatic realism, Richardson tried hard to avoid moralizing on the hypocrisies of adults or exaggerating the experiences of youth, but in striving for the middle ground, he also strive for mediocrity.
, TV Guide's Movie Guide
One of the best of the British 'Angry Young Man films.'
Chris Barsanti, Filmcritic.com
An iconic representation of a time, less so now.
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
Splendidly directed by Tony Richardson (just before Tom Jones), this highlight of the working-class British cinema (aka "Young Angry Men" films) features a stunning debut performance by Tom Courtenay that put him at the forefornt of British actors.
, Time Out
Most of the period hallmarks of the British New Wave are paraded here.
, Film4
A landmark in British cinema, which not only launched Courtenay's career, but also continued the trend of assertively incorporating contemporary social issues into film drama.
Keith H. Brown, Eye for Film
If anything contributes to its lasting influence, it's not all this lefty stuff, rather the brilliant performance by Tom Courtenay.
Patrick Peters, Empire Magazine
It's provocative and enjoyable, but not a classic.

Read all 12 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Michael G

While The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner is a beautifully bleak story about a reform school kid and for good or ill, the choices he makes. Great direction and cinematography along with a great debut performance by Tom Courtenay are definitely the highlights of this movie, but… More
While The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner is a beautifully bleak story about a reform school kid and for good or ill, the choices he makes. Great direction and cinematography along with a great debut performance by Tom Courtenay are definitely the highlights of this movie, but what I really liked was the flashback-told story and buildup to a truly well-done finale. Out of all the "angry young man" movies I've seen, The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner was the best because it actually explained WHY its protagonist was the way he was as opposed to making you endure the behavior of a raving dipshit.
Cassandra M

Ahh Mother,why oh why oh why oh why, don't they make them like they used to? Forget your Guy Richie crime capers,'Loneliness of the long distance runner' is British cinema at its best. I can't explain why I love this film (erm so why I am I here?), whenever I try… More
Ahh Mother,why oh why oh why oh why, don't they make them like they used to? Forget your Guy Richie crime capers,'Loneliness of the long distance runner' is British cinema at its best. I can't explain why I love this film (erm so why I am I here?), whenever I try to explain the plot to friends they look perplexed as to why the film should be so good. Tom Courtenay is in his element in his portrayal as the 'loveable rogue'. Has 'Jerusalem' ever been more poignantly sung as it has here? Im not urging you to go out and purchase the film, but if you have a spare 90 odd minutes and it comes on television then watch it. Ta.
Pierluigi P

Colin Smith is a rebel with a cause, the furious voice and spirit of the proletariat, the people who have to suffer for the privileged and get nothing in exchange but a terrible burden. A battle against an opressive system, depicted in a fiery and emotive way. Magnificent characters… More
Colin Smith is a rebel with a cause, the furious voice and spirit of the proletariat, the people who have to suffer for the privileged and get nothing in exchange but a terrible burden. A battle against an opressive system, depicted in a fiery and emotive way. Magnificent characters and story, and phenomenal Tom Courtenay. One of the crown jewels of British cinema.
Emily B

Brilliant!

Cast

            Tom Courtenay as Colin Smith

            Michael Redgrave as Governor

            James Bolam as Mike

            Avis Bunnage as Mrs. Smith

            James Cairncross as Jones

            Alec McCowen as Brown

            Peter Madden as Mr. Smith

            Julia Foster as Gladys

            Joe Robinson as Roach

            Topsy Jane as Audrey

            John Bull as Ronalds

            Philip Martin as Stacey

            Frank Finlay as Booking Office Clerk

            Peter Duguid as Doctor

            Robert Percival as Tory Politician

            Peter Kriss as Scott

            Arthur Mullard as Chief Officer

            Anthony Sagar as Fenton

            John Thaw as Bosworth

            Dervis Ward as Detective

            Raymond Austin as Craig

            James Fox
            
            Christopher Parker as Bill Smith

            John Brooking as Green

            Brian Hammond as Johnny Smith

            Christopher Williams as Public School Boy
See full cast