The story of "The Tolpuddle Martyrs". A group of 19th century English farm labourers who formed one of the first trade unions and started a campaign to receive fair wages.
Direction
Bill Douglas's final film—visually stunning, unapologetically political.
Cinematography
Every frame looks like a museum painting of suffering.
Acting
Robin Soans delivers quiet dignity that absolutely wrecks you.
Director
Bill Douglas
Robin Soans
George Loveless
William Gaminara
James Loveless
Phil Davis
Young John Stanfield
Keith Allen
James Hammett
Jeremy Flynn
James Brine
Alex Norton
Lanternist, Sergeant Bell, Diorama Showman, Laughing Cavalier, Wollaston, Ranger, Tramp, Sea Captain, McCallum, Silhouettist, and Mad Photographer
Robert Stephens
James Frampton
Freddie Jones
Vicar of Tolpuddle
Michael Hordern
Mr. Pitt
James Fox
William Norfolk, Governor of New South Wales
Vanessa Redgrave
Mrs. Carlyle
Joanna David
Mrs. Frampton
Imelda Staunton
Betsy Loveless
Katy Behean
Sarah Loveless
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Bill Douglas spent years securing funding; this was his only color film and his last before his death in 1991.
The real Tolpuddle Martyrs are still celebrated annually in the UK with a massive festival—this film is basically required viewing there.
GB
