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The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner

Play trailer Poster for The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner 1962,  1h 43m,  Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
Stream Now Watchlist 73% 22 Reviews Tomatometer 86% 1,000+ Ratings Popcornmeter
73% Tomatometer 22 Reviews 86% Popcornmeter 1,000+ Ratings
Fleet-footed Colin Smith (Tom Courtenay) is a rebellious teenager in the poverty-stricken town of Nottingham, in northern England, who enjoys running as an escape from his harsh reality. Caught stealing cash from a bakery, Colin is sent to a reform school where the manipulative governor (Michael Redgrave) promotes sports as rehabilitation by enlisting Colin in a foot race against a prestigious rival school. What the governor doesn't realize is that Colin is not so easily disciplined.
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The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner

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Critics Consensus

Dry and full of angst, this British New Wave classic features potent social commentary and a star making performance by Tom Courtenay as a textbook example of the "angry young man."

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Critics Reviews

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Variety Staff Variety Aug 4, 2008
The performance of Tom Courtenay and the imaginative, if sometimes overfussy, direction of Tony Richardson, plus some standout lensing by Walter Lassally makes this a worthwhile pic. Go to Full Review
Time Out Jun 24, 2006
Most of the period hallmarks of the British New Wave are paraded here. Go to Full Review
Bosley Crowther New York Times May 20, 2003
3/5
While this show of compassion may not sit comfortably with those who distrust social agitation and too easy sympathy, it must be said that a splendid presentation is made by Mr. Richardson. Go to Full Review
Pauline Kael KPFA (Berkeley, CA) Nov 17, 2020
With so many styles incorporated, it's no wonder that the film has no style, nor does it have anything that might pass for aesthetic structure. The bits and pieces are choppily assembled, with clumsily overlapped dialogue serving as makeshift bridges. Go to Full Review
Clyde Gilmour Maclean's Magazine Oct 7, 2019
The film's numerous flashbacks make heavy weather of the essentially simple story, but they fail to spoil its honesty and sardonic humor. Sir Michael Redgrave portrays, without any taint of caricature, a hearty reform school governor... Go to Full Review
Dwight MacDonald Esquire Magazine Aug 2, 2019
Not bad: it has realism, pathos, an interesting performance by a new young actor (Tom Courtenay, who is no Albert Finney but will do) and a cinematic liveliness rare in British films about working-class life. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Finn S Feb 20, 2017 Fine social drama capturing the time and space of the borstal inmates perfectly. It's a little outdated now, but can still very much be appreciated for what it is. See more
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The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner

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Cast & Crew

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Tony Richardson

Director

Tom Courtenay

Colin Smith

Michael Redgrave

Reformatory Governor

Avis Bunnage

Mrs. Smith

Peter Madden

Mr. Smith

James Bolam

Mike

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The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner

The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner (1962) The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner (1962) The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner (1962) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis Fleet-footed Colin Smith (Tom Courtenay) is a rebellious teenager in the poverty-stricken town of Nottingham, in northern England, who enjoys running as an escape from his harsh reality. Caught stealing cash from a bakery, Colin is sent to a reform school where the manipulative governor (Michael Redgrave) promotes sports as rehabilitation by enlisting Colin in a foot race against a prestigious rival school. What the governor doesn't realize is that Colin is not so easily disciplined.
Director
Tony Richardson
Producer
Tony Richardson
Screenwriter
Alan Sillitoe, Alan Sillitoe
Distributor
Continental Distributing Inc.
Production Co
Bryanston Films Ltd., British Lion Film Corporation, Woodfall Film Productions
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Oct 8, 1962, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Apr 19, 2016
Runtime
1h 43m
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