The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner

7.2(163)19621h 44m

Drama

A rebellious youth, sentenced to a boy’s reformatory for robbing a bakery, rises through the ranks of the institution by impressing its Governor through his prowess as a long distance runner. He is encouraged to compete in an upcoming race, but faces ridicule from his peers.

Director

Tony Richardson

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Cast

Michael Redgrave

Ruxton Towers Reformatory Governor

Tom Courtenay

Colin Smith

Avis Bunnage

Mrs. Smith

Alec McCowen

Brown, House Master

James Bolam

Mike

Joe Robinson

Roach

Dervis Ward

Detective

Topsy Jane

Audrey

Julia Foster

Gladys

James Fox

Willy Gunthorpe - Ranley School Runner (uncredited)

John Thaw

Bosworth (uncredited)

Arthur Mullard

Chief Borstal Officer (uncredited)

Reviews

1 review

Geronimo1967

1y ago

7.0

Tom Courtenay is superb as "Colin Smith" who, along with his pal "Mike" (James Bolam) spends much of his time committing petty crimes to alleviate the boredom of his life. When his father dies, his rather venal mother (Avis Bunnage) can't wait for the insurance money; hooks up almost immediately with another man and this all serves to push "Colin" further into his criminal activities. He is eventu...