Comrades Bill Douglas (1986) UK 174 min Film Review Reviewed By David Parkinson 4 out of 5 Despite the acclaim for his autobiographical trilogy, Bill Douglas struggled to finance this epic tribute to those pioneer trade unionists, the Tolpuddle Martyrs. Although set in Dorset in the 1830s, the story of the farm labourers who were deported to Australia for protesting against their harsh conditions and meagre wages had a contemporary resonance as, 150 years later, the Thatcher government sought to break union power. However, while Douglas is keen to highlight the continued existence of exploitation and social hypocrisy, his unforced realism and the superb performances keep it rooted in its period. Plot Summary Historical drama. With the Industrial Revolution under way in Victorian England, a brave group of craftsmen form a trade union to fight for better wages. However their stand incurs the wrath of the establishment and the Tolpuddle Martyrs are transported to Australia. Cast George Loveless Robin Soans James Loveless William Gaminara Old Tom Stanfield Stephen Bateman Young Stanfield Philip Davis James Hammett Keith Allen Lanternist Alex Norton Norfolk James Fox Mr Pitt Michael Hordern Mrs Carlyle Vanessa Redgrave Frampton Robert Stephens Director Bill Douglas Language: English Colour Available on video and DVD Certificate 15
Posted on: Fri, 23 Jan 2015 20:56:22 +0000