The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner

Tony Richardson, UK, 1962, 104 minutes

Adapted from Alan Sillitoe's celebrated novella, The Loneliness Of The Long Distance Runner focuses on the life of Colin Smith, a head-strong eighteen year-old sent to Borstal for robbing a Baker's shop. Life inside Ruxton Towers is degrading and soul-destroying, the inmates are stripped of all dignity. The self-satisfied Governor (Michael Redgrave) takes it upon himself to value the worth of the boys. He decides that the salvation of delinquent youth lies in sport. Smith is a noticeably good long distance runner and upon seeing this the Govenor selects him to represent the Borstal in a prestigious athletics challenge competion against a local public school. Smith goes along with the plan. However, a crucial question remains - who win have the last laugh?

Umistakeably (and perhaps too much) influenced by the French Nouvelle Vague, this film succeeds well in conveying the humdrum existence that is Smith's life. Throughout the picture, a series of flashbacks lets us glimpse the events leading up to his arrest. We are invited to sympathise with the anarchic hero and when he ultimately enacts his act of defiance against the establishment we cannot help but cheer. In so doing he proves there is still hope.

This picture marked Tom Courtenay's~ feature film debut and in it he produced what still remains his most absorbing screen performance. He is aided by some solid ensemble acting and a well-judged portrayal by Redgrave. Walter Lassaly's camerawork is equally memorable.

Review by Stephen Townsend
Taken from EUFS Programme 1992-93