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Poster for The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner

The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner

Seen it?

1962 | 104 min | Drama

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

Solid across the board without standing out anywhere. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. If you loved Sing Sing or Coach Carter, start here.
The mood
Thoughtful and character-driven.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 44 min.
What might put you off
Made in 1962: an older pace and style.

A rebellious youth, sentenced to a boy’s reformatory for robbing a bakery, rises through the ranks of the institution by impressing its Governor through his prowess as a long distance runner. He is encouraged to compete in an upcoming race, but faces ridicule from his peers.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsSolid

    73% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.2 out of 10

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Reach & staying powerSolid

    Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 52K people sought it out in the past year, and interest is climbing

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Tony Richardson

  • Michael RedgraveRuxton Towers Reformatory Governor
  • Tom CourtenayColin Smith
  • Avis BunnageMrs. Smith
  • Alec McCowenBrown, House Master
  • James BolamMike
  • Joe RobinsonRoach
  • Dervis WardDetective
  • Topsy JaneAudrey
  • Julia FosterGladys
  • James FoxWilly Gunthorpe - Ranley School Runner (uncredited)