Saturday Night And Sunday Morning [DVD] [1960]

'Saturday Night And Sunday Morning' remains a piece of great movie-making. I must have seen it, on TV, in my late teens and became an instant fan of Albert Finney (whom I had the pleasure of meeting, albeit briefly, in Manchester in 1982). I also fell deeply in love with Shirley Anne Field, and got to spend a memorable half hour or so with her on a quiet Sunday afternoon at the NEC in, I think, 2003. A lovely, very down-to-earth lady who happened to be perfect casting as Doreen: both very sexy and sullenly vulnerable.I grew up in an area not massively different to that shown in Nottingham: drab surroundings full of drab people, but in an England which was a damn sight better than it is now and when working class life still had some basic meaning.It is, however, a thoroughly middle-class production; how could it not be? It was a film springing from a genre that had a very short existence indeed, with only, perhaps, 'A Kind Of Loving' coming close to getting across its message - although 'SNASM' remains the more entertaining of the two. British film-making was probably altered - not for the better - by the coming of The Beatles and 'Swinging London': all ultimately meaningless and with a lot to answer for. As for Albert Finney, looking back, he never made anything as good as this, just as Peter O'Toole never managed to top 'Lawrence'. Both became somewhat mannered and irritating, caught up in the 'anything goes' mentality of the 1960s and early 70s.Rachel Roberts was superb of course as the luckless Brenda, and Hylda Baker gives a stand-out little performance as Seaton's knowing aunt. Women of her type abounded during my childhood.A pity the director had to go on and make such drivel as 'Morgan' and 'The French Lieutenant's Woman'.

It is good to know that this classic film is still available and in Blu-Ray too! Part of the New Wave Cinema which emerged during the very early 1960s, the story evolves around Arthur Seaton played by Albert Finney who works in a tedious job in a bicycle factory. He becomes involved in an affair with Brenda, the wife of a workmate, meets the shy Doreen played by Shirley Ann Field, and establishes a long term relationship with her as well. His affair with Brenda flounders after she becomes pregnant, and he is badly beaten up by her brothers in law. Finally, Arthur has to make his choice, whether to continue his philandering ways and settle down with Doreen. This film was typical of working class values in those far off days, and it did cause some controversy when it was first released. Although dated, it is still worth a view and it has stood the test of time. The Blu-Ray edition looks lovely, although sound is mono.

'Saturday Night And Sunday Morning' has to be one of the all-time greats from the 1960s.This movie is one of the best-remembered of the so-called 'Kitchen Sink Dramas' that would become the trademark of the decade. It was an important film for many of its cast - not least for Rachel Roberts (later to commit suicide) who won a BAFTA for her role in the movie - and for a part she nearly never got! Also; Hylda Baker made her screen debut in this before going on to become a household name in her own sit-coms that would prove highly successful throughout the rest of the decade and early 70s, and for Edna Morris who will always be best-remembered for the trouble-making 'Ma Bull' who for her pains, gets an air pellet right on the backside - a priceless scene that's not to be missed!'Arthur Seaton' (Albert Finney) is an angry young man who's out for a good time. He's not too bothered whose toes he treads upon - providing he gets what he wants, until that is, he meets 'Doreen' (Shirley Anne Field) who distracts him from a long-term relationship that was going no-where with a married woman. (Rachel Roberts)This movie will be simply paradise for many as they recall the dingy, but 'homely' houses, smoky pubs, down to earth banter and the neighbours chatting with their hairnets on and arms folded over the garden gate - so many things that for so long now have become but a distant memory for many of us... A perfect capturing of 1960s 'ordinary' Britain forever - simply 'gold'!There's also some very interesting Bonus Features on this DVD; (something I'm usually not into - but these are quite wonderful) including Interviews with both Albert Finney and Shirley Anne Field about the movie - a Commentary from several key people involved in making the film, (including the author of the original novel) and best of all; an hour long real-life documentary showing a bunch of ordinary young people enjoying a night out at a local Youth Club - and airing their views with a look at their lives that's really fascinating. It will bring back many memories of the period for thousands!Great stuff!

An excellent film made in 1961 with a very strong storyline and location photography. Only marked this release as 4 stars since I already have the BFI released DVD and having compared the two the picture quality of the Blu Ray (to me) only seems marginally better (clearer & slightly sharper) as the DVD release is also very good.

I love this film, it's so realistic. it's about a working class bloke who works in a factory making bicycle parts, and who can't wait for payday so he can go out and enjoy himself. he ends up getting himself in a pickle, and realised he needs to stop being so devil may care if he wants to find true happiness. I love albert finney in scrooge and murder on the orient express, and this film was recommended to me by somebody who is a film buff. glad I watched it.