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A 1950s-set classroom drama, it follows a young boy's attempts to curry favour with the school dish
One of British TV's most enduring talents, Jack Rosenthal's credits include adaptations of Kingsley Amis' 'Lucky Jim' and the first ever episode of 'Coronation Street'. Here he fashions an endearing coming-of-age comedy-drama that's quietly moving and full of quaint detail.

Set in the early 1950s and narrated by cricket commentator John Arlott, the simple plot has cricket-obsessed schoolboy Alan Duckworth (Albasiny) playing hooky, bonding with his buddies and lusting after classmate Ann (Cruttenden). Unexpectedly, he wins the leading role in the school play, the final scene of which requires him to land a smacker on Ann. Alison Steadman is the harsh drama teacher with a secret of her own.

It's a sensitive evocation of adolescent anguish full of tender but telling detail. The relationship between Alan and Ann is nicely underplayed and though the tone is low-key, it's an oddly affecting film from the earliest days of Film4.

• Category

  Film & Animation

[equinox2244]

Are there anymore similar to this one that anyone could recommend? Thanks!

[meadowlane37]

just got this film on dvd, such a tender,thoughtful movie too.

[coumarin1000]

great, many thanks for posting this film. ive only ever seen it once, way back when.....took a chance on it being on here and bingo!! spent a pleasant saturday afternoon watching it. many thanks again my friend.

[JackNJordProductions]

Im playing alan for my acting exam. Cant wait! :D wish me luck...

[nuipret]

i did. and i've watched all the repats since. a great little film.

[nuipret]

i did! it was brilliant and i've watched every repeat since.great little film.

[John Pendrey]

Poetry in film, set in the half timbered suburbs. Captured; that burning desire for a kiss. Brilliant.

[jh004c7865]

i know i have experinced every emotion and situation at some point in my secondary school life that alan duckworth has gone through and i was around the same age 14 years old this film was made. i was deem a nerd and wasn't popular it made me laugh and brought a tear to my eye. such a great film how they should be made. glad i got the chance to watch this film again. P'Tang Yang Kipperbang Uhhh.

[NadalTheCheat]

Just seen this film. It makes you remember of the first girl you had a crush on. Sweet memories.

[viralto]

This brought back memories of my Mum and me annoying the hell out of my Dad for about 10 years, muttering P'Tang Yang Kipperbang Uhhh all the time! Oh to be 12 again...