The Scamp
The Scamp | |
---|---|
![]() Original British quad poster | |
Directed by | Wolf Rilla |
Written by | Wolf Rilla |
Based on | playUncertain Joyby Charlotte Hastings |
Produced by | James Lawrie |
Starring | Richard Attenborough Terence Morgan Colin Petersen Dorothy Alison Jill Adams |
Cinematography | Freddie Francis |
Edited by | Bernard Gribble |
Music by | Francis Chagrin |
Production company | A James Lawrie Production |
Distributed by | Renown Pictures Corporation(UK) |
Release dates |
|
Running time | 87 mins |
Country | United Kingdom |
Language | English |
The Scampis a 1957 Britishdrama filmdirected byWolf Rillaand starringRichard Attenborough,Terence Morgan,Colin PetersenandDorothy Alison.[1]It was based on the playUncertain Joyby Charlotte Hastings. It was released in the U.S. asStrange Affection.[2]
Synopsis
[edit]A schoolteacher and his wife take in the tempestuous child of an abusive drifter. When the father returns, their lives become complicated by issues of corporal punishment, physical abuse, strained relations and various crimes.
Cast
[edit]- Richard Attenboroughas Stephen Leigh
- Dorothy Alisonas Barbara Leigh
- Colin Petersenas Tod Dawson
- Terence Morganas Mike Dawson
- Jill Adamsas Julie Dawson
- Maureen Delanyas Mrs. Perryman
- Margaretta Scottas Mrs. Blundell
- David Franks as Eddie
- Geoffrey Keenas headmaster
- Charles Lloyd-Packas Beamish
- June Cunningham as Annette
- Sam Kyddas shopkeeper
- Victor Brooksas Inspector Birch
Critical reception
[edit]TheRadio TimesGuide to Filmsgave the film 2/5 stars, writing: "Having made his name in the Australian-set dramaSmiley[1956], contemporary critics had high hopes for ten-year-old Colin Petersen. He tries hard in this well intentioned story of a delinquent given a second chance, but he never convinces either as the urchin son of alcoholic music-hall actor Terence Morgan or as the confused kid cajoled by teacher Richard Attenborough and his wife Dorothy Alison. Attenborough overdoes the bourgeois benevolence. "[3]
TV Guidewrote, "Shaky direction and a cliche-ridden script mar any possibilities for this human interest story";[2]whereasLeonard Maltincalled it a "Decent British drama."[4]
Box office
[edit]According toKinematograph Weeklythe film was "in the money" at the British box office in 1957.[5]
References
[edit]- ^"The Scamp".British Film Institute Collections Search.Retrieved31 October2023.
- ^ab"Strange Affection".TVGuide.com.
- ^Radio Times Guide to Films(18th ed.). London:Immediate Media Company.2017. p. 806.ISBN9780992936440.
- ^"Scamp, The (1957) - Overview - TCM.com".Turner Classic Movies.
- ^Billings, Josh (12 December 1957). "Others in the money".Kinematograph Weekly.p. 7.
External links
[edit]