This double bill celebrates the work of Colin Welland, an adaptable and magnetic talent on stage, screen and page. His varied film and television career spanned roles in classic northern works, including regular appearances in Z Cars and the part of sympathetic teacher Mr Farthing in Kes (Welland had previously worked in education), as well as an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for writing Chariots of Fire.
Welland’s first break in the performing art world came via Manchester’s Library Theatre, where he worked as an actor and an assistant stage manager.
This screening will be preceded by One Like Him, a short film by Caitlin McLeod and Tareq Baconi.
Titles screenings in this programme are:
Roll on Four O’Clock (1970)
Director: Roy Battersby/Actors: Frank Heaton, Clive Swift, Colin Welland
A powerful and at times harrowing look at homophobic bullying in a Salford secondary school, this entry in ITV’s Saturday Night Theatre strand centres on introverted teenager Latimer, who finds himself at the mercy of his fellow pupils. Welland’s clever script avoids explicitly confirming Latimer’s nascent sexuality, while making a more universal point about the singling out of anyone perceived to be different. Especially provocative is the complicity of certain members of staff in the bullying.
Kisses at Fifty (1973)
Director: Michael Apted/Actors: Bill Maynard, Rosemarie Dunham, Marjorie Yates
As Harry turns 50, he feels life is passing him by and begins an affair with Audrey, the new barmaid at his local pub. Word of their relationship quickly spreads throughout town, prompting Harry and Audrey to move down south in an attempt to escape the monotony of their middle-aged lives.
Kisses at Fifty brilliantly demonstrates Colin Welland’s skills as a writer in creating wholly believable characters and authentic dialogue that combines humour, humanity and social observation.
This screening will be introduced by Andy Willis, HOME’s Senior Visiting Curator: Film and Professor of Film Studies at the University of Salford.
Plus/ This screening will be preceded by One Like Him, a short film by Caitlin McLeod and Tareq Baconi.