- Actors: Tom Courtenay, Michael Redgrave, James Bolam, John Thaw, Alec McCowen
- Directors: Tony Richardson
- Format: Black & White, PAL
- Region: Region 2 (This DVD may not be viewable outside Europe. Read more about DVD formats.)
- Number of discs: 1
- Classification: 12
- Studio: Bfi Video
- DVD Release Date: 23 Mar 2009
- Run Time: 99 minutes
- Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
- ASIN: B001EJW0UO
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 31,597 in Film & TV (See Top 100 in Film & TV)
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Product Description
Colin (Tom Courtenay) is a defiant teenager who rebels against the system, refusing to follow his dying father into a factory job, railing against the capitalist bosses and preferring to make a living from petty thieving. Sent to borstal, Colin discovers his talent for cross-country running. The borstal governor (Michael Redgrave) offers him the chance to redeem himself in a race against a local public school, and tensions build as the day approaches... Following the huge success of Karel Reisz's Saturday Night and Sunday Morning, Alan Sillitoe here adapted another of his works for the screen. Newcomer Tom Courtenay compelling as the sullen, disillusioned delinquent in this British New Wave classic, a passionate, explosive tale of rebellion. Newcomer Tom Courtenay compelling as the sullen, disillusioned delinquent in this British New Wave classic, a passionate, explosive tale of rebellion Commentary by film historian Robert Murphy, with lead actor Tom Courtenay and writer Alan Sillitoe Video essay by cinematographer Walter Lassally Illustrated booklet including essays and biographies Momma Don't Allow (1956), Tony Richardson's Free Cinema documentary shot by Walter Lassally Feature presented with dual mono PCM audio (48k), extras Dolby Digital mono audio (320kbps)
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
34 of 34 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Ever since I first saw this film, I found it unforgettable. It is based on a short story by Alan Sillitoe, and does a wonderful job of bringing the unique atmosphere of his story to the screen (Sillitoe wrote the screenplay himself). There is a lot to admire in this film: the b&w cinematography (its power especially evident in the lyrical running sequences);the realistic presentation of the environment of the English working class at the time; brilliant acting, especially in the scenes of the confrontations between the - both masterful - Tom Courtenay and Michael Redgrave. All these ingredients provide for a richly textured study of the fine complications of emotion, experience and self-analysis. I would, of course, be in some ways inclined to agree that this film is outdated, but the main theme, that of the titular loneliness of the individual caused by the inadequacy of human means of communication, is something that can be still be felt in the modern times. Although the movement that spawned this film, the British Free Cinema, lasted for only a brief period of time, "The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Runner" has become the key British film of the 60s and a masterpiece of world cinema that,if you are a lover of classic films,you cannot allow yourself NOT to have.
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Good acting , good direction and an accurate storyline. This workmanlike british film of the fifties is enjoyable and interesting. By far the biggest atribute , in my own personal eyes , is its accuracy and authenticity to the borstal system. Being a borstal officer during this period , many of the situations and incidents contained within the film are equal to many I have encountered over the years. The "feel" of the film is very authentic indeed. Good performances by Redgrave , Courtney and a fledgling John Thaw .
Not exactly a film to relax with but nevertheless enjoyable
Not exactly a film to relax with but nevertheless enjoyable
26 of 27 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I don't understand why another reviewer has said that this film is dated. The school system may not be the same, but the battle of wills that plays out in the film is being played out not just in every school, but on every factory floor, every office, every lab, football team, choir, everywhere. This is one of the supreme human stories and if you don't have this film, you have no excuse. It's an element of what makes people people.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
One of the runners has legs
Fantastic Movie of The Woodfall Company. Here is another BFI-cover in a special way of presentation. Read more
Published 17 months ago by Stefan Prediger
Great early 60's Brit drama
Made in 1962, this great "kitchen sink" drama is in my opinion the best example of the genre.
The main character of the film, Colin (a great film debut by Tom Courtenay)... Read more
The main character of the film, Colin (a great film debut by Tom Courtenay)... Read more
Published 18 months ago by Alan James
Its the director not the directed
This film has been extensively reviewed, and it is to the film maker I turn. Tony Richardson might benefit from reflection. Read more
Published 23 months ago by Dr Paul Brown
A Powerful Look at the Anger of the Underclass
"The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner" (1962), a black and white British, sports oriented drama, was based on Alan Sillitoe's semi-autobiographical novel about a rebellious... Read more
Published 23 months ago by Stephanie DePue
What am I missing?
I decided to watch this movie based upon the reviews on this site and also a five star review in a TV guide. Read more
Published on 31 May 2010 by Nick Kirby
Running up that hill
Tom Courtenay is the archetypal 'Angry Young Man' in this Sixties kitchen sink drama. Made in the heyday of British cinema it is a true classic and arguably the finest of its... Read more
Published on 18 May 2009 by Captain Pugwash
Recommended film
I love this film. Great actors acting in a great film and what a twist at the end.
Published on 1 Nov 2008 by Chilkoot
For Tom Courtenay
The story is to day a bit out dated , but this masterpiece must be seen for its actors. Tom Courtenay is absolutely great , and we can only wander why this actor has refused to be... Read more
Published on 26 Dec 2003 by Savonarole
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