Mar 29th   
The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner**      
(GB 1962)     
British Lion/Bryanston/Woodfall. 104m. bw

A rebellious new inmate at a borstal reflects on his life when the establishment discovers that he can run well.
Compelling working class drama, one of the few British films to really tackle head-on the clash with the system, although it leaves some of its supporting characters and sub-plots behind (told from its protagonist's sole perspective) come the gripping conclusion. 

Written by: Alan Sillitoe, from his short story.
Producer/Director: Tony Richardson.
Starring: Tom Courtenay, Michael Redgrave, James Bolam, Avis Bunnage, Alec McCowen, Topsy Jane, Julia Foster, Joe Robinson, Dervis Ward, Arthur Mullard, John Thaw, James Fox, Peter Madden.
Photography: Walter Lassally.
Music: John Addison.
Editing: Anthony Gibbs.

THE LONELINESS OF THE LONG DISTANCE RUNNER.  Tom Courtenay flanked by some future TV stars. From left, James Bolam, John Thaw, Derek Fowlds.