Tales out of School: Four Films by David Leland

Synopsis

This anthology brings together the four films written by David Leland and screened originally in 1983 - the films are: BIRTH OF A NATION, FLYING INTO THE WIND, R.H.I.N.O. and MADE IN BRITAIN, all of which are available separately (qv) from Concord Media. These four television films brought the emerging writing talent of former actor David Leland to national attention. Featuring early roles for Tim Roth and Jim Broadbent, the films form a scathing portrait of British society in the early 1980s, focusing in particular on the polarisation of attitudes towards the role and methods of education in an increasingly fragmented society. Without overtly offering solutions, Leland’s films depict - often with unnerving acuity and foresight - the experience of individuals within systems that have become inadequate in dealing with the fallout of social breakdown. Of the four films presented here, MADE IN BRITAIN, directed by the celebrated Alan Clarke, inevitably aroused the strongest controversy, with Tim Roth’s astonishing portrayal of a nihilistic, racist teenage skinhead captured by Chris Menges’ innovative cinematography.


Films:
• BIRTH OF A NATION
Featuring Jim Broadbent, the play dramatises the conflict between old, authoritarian teaching methods and the more relaxed approach of progressive educationalists.

• FLYING INTO THE WIND
Graham Crowden stars in a play depicting the battle between parents who want to home-educate their children and the local education authority.

• R.H.I.N.O.
The harrowing story of Angela, a disenfranchised young black girl living in 1980s London, and her encounters with a well-meaning but often ineffectual social system.

• MADE IN BRITAIN
Directed by Alan Clarke, Tim Roth makes his TV debut as a hate-filled teenage skinhead on a self-destructive campaign destined to lead to permanent incarceration.


The DVD and Blu-ray include these extras: ‘Twice-Told Tales’: the writer and producer join a group of high school pupils and look back at Tales Out of School 30 years on; ‘Digging for Britain’ cast and crew reflect on the making of MADE IN BRITAIN; Commemorative booklet on TALES OUT OF SCHOOL by media historian and Alan Clarke biographer Dr. Dave Rolinson; Image gallery, featuring pictures from the deleted original ending to MADE IN BRITAIN.

Language

English

Country

Great Britain

Year of release

2011

Year of production

1982

Notes

Also available on Blu-Ray (£17.75 +VAT)

Subjects

Drama; Education

Keywords

Education Act 1944; learning disabilities; school management; schoolchildren; social services; television drama

Credits

Director

Alan Clarke; Edward Bennett; Jane Howell; Mike Newell

Writer

David Leland

Cast

Graham Crowden
Jim Broadbent
Robert Stephens
Tim Roth

Distribution Formats

Type

DVD

Format

Region 2 PAL

Price

£14.40

Availability

Sale

Duration/Size

300 minutes

Year

2014

Production Company

Name

Central Independent Television

Notes

use Carlton UK Television

Distributor

Name

Network

Email

shop@networkonair.com

Web

http://networkonair.com/ External site opens in new window

Phone

01992 657707

Address

19-20 Blythe Road
Berghem Mews
Hammersmith
London
W14 0HN

Notes

Founded in 1997, Network specialises in distributing niche television programmes, predominantly licensed from Granada Ventures and Fremantle. They have recently branched into feature film distribution. Sale via retail outlets or direct via Network’s website, which has some’web exclusive’ offers.

 

Available from retail outlets