This double bill of work made for television showcases some of Mike Leigh’s work from the 1970s.
Films screening in this double bill are:
Hard Labour (PG)
Dir Mike Leigh/GB 1973/74 mins
Liz Smith, Clifford Kershaw, Polly Hemingway
Hard Labour was the first work the director made for television, produced by Tony Garnett and screened as part of the BBC’s Play for Today strand. Unusually for Leigh this piece is set in his home city of Salford. At its centre is a remarkable performance by Liz Smith as Mrs Thornley, a cleaner whose life offers glimpses of a Britain populated by people who are increasingly isolated from each other.
Kiss of Death (12)
Dir Mike Leigh/GB 1977/80 mins
David Threlfall, John Wheatley, Kay Adshead
Kiss of Death is another north-west-set Play for Today from Leigh, this time set in Oldham and focused on youth. David Threlfall makes his TV debut as a shy young mortician’s assistant Trevor. Hanging out at the pub with his mate Ronnie, he meets Linda. Can he overcome his reserved nature and open up new horizons?
With thanks to the BFI National TV Archive.
Please note: there will be a 10 minute intermission between the two features.
Booking for Friends opens Fri 15 Oct, 12pm
Booking for Members opens Sat 16 Oct, 12pm
On General Sale Mon 18 Oct, 12pm