Main Cast: Alan Bates, James Bolam, Brian Cox, Constance Chapman, Gabrielle Daye
Release Year: 1975
Country: UK
Run Time: 131 minutes
MPAA Rating: PG
Plot
One of the more cinematic entries in the mid-1970s American Film Theatre series, In Celebration is adapted from the play by David Storey. Lindsay Anderson, who directed the original stage version, reassembles his cast for this filmization. Alan Bates, James Bolam and Brian Cox play Andrew, Colin and Steven, the well-educated sons of roughhewn coal miner "Mr. Shaw" (Bill Owen) and his wife (Constance Chapman). On the occasion of their parents' wedding anniversary, the three sons return to their dank little home village. All three boys have become successful, but only Bolam is comfortable with his success. To his parents' dismay, Andrew announces that he has given up his law practice to become an artist; he also confesses to harboring homosexual inclinations. Prompted by the embittered Andrew, the other sons churn up memories of their childhood that they--and their parents--had hoped to keep buried. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Alan Withy - Art Director, Lindsay Anderson - Director, Russell Lloyd - Editor, Christopher Gunning - Composer (Music Score), Dick Bush - Cinematographer, Ely Landau - Producer, Otto Plaschkes - Producer, Henry T. Weinstein - Producer, David Storey - Play Author
In Celebration is a 1975 film directed by Lindsay Anderson. It is based in the 1969 stage production of the same name by David Storey which was also directed by Anderson. The movie was meant to be shown theatrically with tickets sold in advance.[1]
It stars Alan Bates (recreating his stage role) and takes place in a Yorkshire mining town. The Shaws (Bill Owen, Constance Chapman) are celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary and their three sons have come up for a night out at an expensive restaurant. Mr Shaw is a coal miner with 49 one year left until retirement. Andy (Bates), the oldest, studied to be a solicitor gave it up to become an artist. Colin (James Bolam) was a former Communist party member but is now a factory manager has become middle class. The youngest brother Steven (Brian Cox) is a teacher, married with four children of his own, and writing a book. The film examines the tensions which develop as the family reunite over the course of one evening.
