Film & TV Database

Drama set in the mid-1970s at the time of the dustmen's strike. James, a young boy living in a poor area of Glasgow, has a fight with another boy on a canal bank, as a result of which the other boy drowns. James says nothing about his role in the incident although it weighs heavily on his mind. He spends most of his time dreaming of the day his working-class family will be able to move to a better council house in a different area, but meanwhile finds himself drawn back to the canal bank. He starts to spend time with Margaret Anne, a slightly older and sexually active girl from the same neighbourhood, and also with the slightly simple boy Kenny. His environment and guilt all begin to oppress him however.

Budget £9m

©Pathe Fund Limited/Les Productions Lazennec Pathe Pictures and BBC Films present in association with the Arts Council of England and Lazennec and Le Studio Canal+ a Holy Cow Films production Supported by The National Lottery through the Arts Council of England Developed in association with BBC Scotland Developed with the assistance of Moonstone International [end] a Holy Cow film [logo] Dolby in selected theatres filmed with Panavision cameras and lenses In Colour [1.85:1]