I notice that the early 1960s in Britain was a time for films that really pushed the boundaries of what was acceptable on screen while addressing the burning issues of society at the same time. I've previously watched THE BOYS which tackles the thorny topic of Teddy Boy violence as well as VICTIM exploring homosexuality in a what was then explicit way. THE WIND OF CHANGE is a similar production with the ugly topic of racism at its heart and like a lot of early 1960s film, gang culture plays a big part.
The youthful Johnny Briggs (best known for his long-running role as Mike Baldwin in CORONATION STREET) plays a street thug with a pathological hatred of black men. One day he and his cronies tackle a black guy and beat him to within an inch of his life, only for the police to begin an investigation. Briggs's family life at home is further complicated by his sister's drastically opposed views to his own.
THE WIND OF CHANGE is a rather slow and talky production but the subject matter has never been less than relevant and the actors certainly do it justice. Briggs is excellent as the unlikeable protagonist and Donald Pleasence gives a reliably good turn as his mild-mannered father. There are youthful turns from David Hemmings and Angela Douglas, while Glyn Houston is the investigating detective. THE WIND OF CHANGE is no classic, but its thorough exploration of the subject matter means that it's an important little film nonetheless.
The youthful Johnny Briggs (best known for his long-running role as Mike Baldwin in CORONATION STREET) plays a street thug with a pathological hatred of black men. One day he and his cronies tackle a black guy and beat him to within an inch of his life, only for the police to begin an investigation. Briggs's family life at home is further complicated by his sister's drastically opposed views to his own.
THE WIND OF CHANGE is a rather slow and talky production but the subject matter has never been less than relevant and the actors certainly do it justice. Briggs is excellent as the unlikeable protagonist and Donald Pleasence gives a reliably good turn as his mild-mannered father. There are youthful turns from David Hemmings and Angela Douglas, while Glyn Houston is the investigating detective. THE WIND OF CHANGE is no classic, but its thorough exploration of the subject matter means that it's an important little film nonetheless.