The Ragman's Daughter (1972)

Directed by: Harold Becker

Starring: Simon Rouse (Tony Bradmore), Victoria Tennant (Doris Randall), Patrick O'Connell (older Tony), Jane Wood (Tony's Wife), Leslie Sands (Doris' father), Rita Howard (Doris's mother), Brenda Peters (Tony's mother), Brian Murphy (Tony's father)

Synopsis: Tony recalls his youth, which was full of irresponsibility and mischief and memories of his girlfriend Doris, the ragman's daughter.

Review: Alan Sillitoe's third literary adaptation to screen (after Saturday Night and Sunday Morning (1960) and The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner (1962)), Ragman's Daughter takes place about 10 years after his story was first published. Like his earlier pieces, this follows the same guidelines of regret and hopelessness in Britain's working class. Set in Nottingham, young Tony's carefree lifestyle of sleeping in and drinking pints. When he meets Doris and their courtship begins, his irresponsibility increases with his new found hobby of robbing stores.

What's interesting about this take on the 'kitchen sink' dramas was an equal focus on the protagonist's love interest. Unlike other films from that genre, Doris has a much larger role than other female leads. In compensation for her role, Tony's parents don't play as much of a role as Doris's parents do, in particular her father (obviously). It makes sense for the film’s title to focus on Doris rather than Tony. It is strange for audience’s attention to be on Doris because what ‘angry young men’ films are about are, well, angry young men.

What did not change from this post-genre piece was the somber tone. From the beginning, there is a beautiful depiction of Tony and the past he wishes he could relive and/or change. This is the main deal breaker that determines whether or not you’ll like the film. If you’d like to see a film with a in favor of optimistic expectations, you will probably not like this movie. If you don’t mind viewing a harsh depiction of reality, you may enjoy The Ragman’s Daughter. Overall, this is a well-told story with just the right amount of pacing in between actions.

Verdict: A