7.2/10
2,458
39 user 15 critic

Look Back in Anger (1959)

A disillusioned, angry university graduate comes to terms with his grudge against middle-class life and values.

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, (additional dialogue) | 1 more credit »
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Nominated for 1 Golden Globe. Another 1 win & 4 nominations. See more awards »
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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
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...
...
...
Mrs. Tanner
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Glen Byam Shaw ...
Phyllis Neilson-Terry ...
Mrs. Redfern
...
Hurst
Jane Eccles ...
Miss Drury
S.P. Kapoor ...
George Devine ...
Doctor
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Actor
Anne Dickins ...
Girl A.S.M
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Pet Stall Man
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Storyline

Jimmy Porter is a loud, obnoxious man, rude and verbally abusive to his wife, Alison. Alison comes from an upper class family that Jimmy abhors and he berates Alison for being too reserved and unfeeling. Jimmy is college educated but works with a partner, Cliff Lewis, as a street vendor operating a candy stall. Cliff lives with Jimmy and Alison and is close friends with both. When Jimmy pushes Alison while she is at the ironing board she is burned. Alison visits her doctor where it is revealed that she is pregnant. She asks him if it is too late to do something about it but the doctor immediately tells her never to mention such an idea. When Jimmy leaves for work, Alison confides to Cliff that she is pregnant. She is frightened of Jimmy's reaction to this news, and has not told him. Jimmy is visited by his childhood nanny, Mrs. Tanner, whom Jimmy loves and calls "Mom." Alison tries to tell Jimmy of the pregnancy but is frustrated when Jimmy insults her for being cool towards Mrs. ... Written by Anonymous

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

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As sensational on the screen as the sensation-loaded stage smash! See more »

Genres:

Drama

Certificate:

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Details

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Release Date:

9 October 1959 (Italy)  »

Also Known As:

Paixão Proibida  »

Box Office

Budget:

£250,000 (estimated)
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Company Credits

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Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Phyllis Neilson-Terry worked two days. See more »

Quotes

Jimmy Porter: She's taken you with her and you're so bloody wet you've let her do it.
Alison Porter: All I want is a little peace.
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Connections

Referenced in Backbeat (1994) See more »

Soundtracks

Music Hal Song
Music by Tom Eastwood
Lyrics by John Osborne (uncredited)
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User Reviews

 
Intense, vividly-written and well-acted drama of a disaffected, working-class English youth and his upper-middle-class wife as they struggle to remain together through emotionally and financially hard times
15 August 1999 | by (Illinois, USA) – See all my reviews

The ultimate British "kitchen sink" drama, filmed in gritty, atmospheric black and white, "Look Back in Anger" depicts a rough period in the married life of Jimmy and Allison Porter, a young English couple of disparate backgrounds whose turbulent relationship appears doomed. Richard Burton gives an intense performance as Jimmy, whose love for Allison, played by the ethereally lovely Mary Ure, only occasionally breaks through the anger he takes out on her in merciless verbal assaults. But when the clouds do part, their mutual devotion is beautiful to behold. Gary Raymond, as the couple's stalwart and sweet-natured friend Cliff, and Dame Edith Evans, as the one person Jimmy loves and respects unconditionally, contribute wonderful supporting performances. The delicate, dark-eyed beauty of Claire Bloom, as Allison's brittle best friend, provides a striking counterpoint to Ure's fragile blonde looks.


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