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Product Description
Commentary by Ken Loach Extracts from writer Jeremy Sandford's memoirs read by James Fox An early documentary Housing Problems Director's biography.
Product Description
Originally aired on the BBC on 16th November, 1966 as part of the BBC's influential 'Wednesday Play' series, this was groundbreaking Tv at it's best.
Directed by Ken Loach (Land and Freedom; Secrets and Lies) it tells the bleak tale of Cathy (Carol White - Never Let Go; Poor Cow; Dulcima; The Squeeze), and her husband Reg (Ray Brooks - The Knack..and How to Get It) as they struggle to stay together and raise a family in the poverty stricken world of mid-60's inner city London.
Although it paints a grim picture of the inflexibility of the welfare system and particularly the plight of London's unemployed and homeless, it's not overtly political in the way some films would be, it's just simply showing it as it was, which of course just makes it more heartbreakingly real.
Incidentally, one of the major consequences of this film was the enormous public support for the housing charity 'Shelter', whose public launch came shortly after the programme was first shown.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
71 of 72 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
In 1966 The Wednesday Play brought us one of the most significant pieces of work that has ever been transmitted on British television. Written by Jeremy Sandford and directed by Ken Loach, this single drama had such a profound effect on its showing, that Britain would never be the same again. The play was called Cathy Come Home.
Never before or since has one single piece of drama had such an effect on an entire nation. The stark realism of Cathy Come Home led to changes in social attitudes and the issues addressed were discussed in Parliament.
Stark, unremittingly grim and charged with a palpable tragic power which haunts the minds of those who saw it to this very day, Cathy Come Home remains as a truly ground-breaking piece of dramatic documentary fiction. Although director Loach has constantly refused to take credit for the impact that "Cathy" had on social attitudes, stating that the drama had a minimal effect, and reminding us that the homeless problem is far worse today than it ever was in the 1960's, rarely has a programme so clearly illustrated the true power of television. Even more rarely has television succeeded in touching the conscience of an entire nation.
21 of 21 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
This was so radical at the time of its original screening that it was a significant driver the subsequent changes in social welfare reform. I remember it being shown on TV as a kid and it so impacted me that I have never forgotten it. I'm sure it shaped some of my views as to how people should be considered.
I am so glad that it has been released at an affordable price. It has been on release in the past, but due of its value in education it has always commanded a higher price.Cathy Come Home [DVD]
I am so glad that it has been released at an affordable price. It has been on release in the past, but due of its value in education it has always commanded a higher price.Cathy Come Home [DVD]
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful
By Deka's
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
This is an excellent documentary film of the difficult times facing families after the second world war. It demonstrates an uncaring stance taken by government departments who deemed it ok to split families and take children away from young mothers who had tried their utmost to care for their children in deplorable conditions. Not a good way to reward the working classes after the efforts they had put in to the war.
It demonstrated a clear class distinction and an almost Victorian disregard for the impact of middle class decision making by people who would be unlikely to ever have to face such conditions.
It demonstrated a clear class distinction and an almost Victorian disregard for the impact of middle class decision making by people who would be unlikely to ever have to face such conditions.
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
I remember seeing this documentary when it was originally shown and thought, at the time, how sad it was. The main characters play a good part, portraying the lives of how a lot of couples in the sixties suffered. Yet, have things really changed that much today? Hmmmm!
27 of 29 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:DVD
The night we had planned to watch this film, we unexpectedly had 4 children staying overnight (ranging from 7 to 15), but decided to watch it anyway as we had to send it back. They were not at all thrilled to see that it was in black and white, but it was interresting to see how quickly it held and caught their attention right through to the end. But what was even more enlightening was the discussion between them which followed. An eye opener for all of us, and a reminder of how things were, and still are, for many people. Also to count our many blessings!
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Not seen it since original showing! Well worth buying and brilliant performances by all not fair to place one above the other.The documentary included is an eye opener unbelievable conditions.
18 of 20 people found the following review helpful
By John
Format:DVD
The DVD has been made for the French market but the language is in English so its OK. There are subtitles in French and the film is in B/W.Its so well acted that the film seems to be more like a real life documentary.Very powerful stuff,superb part played by the beautiful Carol White.Excellent period photography illustrating the living conditions of some less fortunate than others and how the unhappy circumstances have been arrived at.Its a classic for sure.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By D. Stevenson
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
My wife and I started our married life and family in the sixties and when we look back now the realism of the time really catches up with you, life as we knew it, was changing at a tremendous pace and you really lived from week to week. Cathy Come Home is a stark visualisation of what life was really like for thousands of people, poor sanitation, heartless authorities, low expectations, God knows how they survived, the film should be given credit for exposing the harshness of life in the 60's Britain.
Dave Stevenson
Dave Stevenson
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very true to the point.
Paints a very good picture of the times and shows you that really nothing as changed. It's still us and them.
Published 6 days ago by D. Frost
5.0 out of 5 stars
cathy come home
watched it years ago. and enjoyed it again. suit 50+ age all my family are going to watch it in turn,
Published 16 days ago by Sandrea Howells
5.0 out of 5 stars
well made film
a very good film; what else can you say about a classic movie, only i enjoyed watching it; and will do again.
Published 24 days ago by korky
5.0 out of 5 stars
Gripping, gritty and poignant.
Has to be one of the greatest social comment films ever made. White is just brilliant as the mother trying to find a home for her and her children in an uncaring society. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Rodney Mitchell
5.0 out of 5 stars
nostalgia
i remember this play from the 60's when i ws a kid, never has a play before or sinced provoked such debate and led to changes in peoples attitudes and the governments approach to... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Anthony
5.0 out of 5 stars
cathy
lovely moving movie . its heart breaking to visualise the ups and downs of this loving couple . may buy the follow ups
Published 2 months ago by toytown
4.0 out of 5 stars
cathy come home
Arrived on time. not seen this film yet as it was a present for someone. but recall seeing it years ago and liked it. very sad but funny too.
Published 2 months ago by EAP of B
5.0 out of 5 stars
So delighted
Thank you so much for this Dvd,it is something I have wanted for so long and am absolutely delighted with it.I will treasure this for years to come.
Thank you once again. Read more
Thank you once again. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Kevin Robinson
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good quality
This was part of the package of films that I ordered. The quality is good and the delivery was swift. I am very happy with both the product and the service.
Published 2 months ago by pauline
5.0 out of 5 stars
Absolutely Fantastic!
An absolute masterpiece. Being a huge fan of Ken Loach and Carol White i can say with all honesty that this is one of the best films i've ever seen. Read more
Published 3 months ago by lennonist4080
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