The Angry Silence (1960)

A young factory worker decides to stand up against his work-mates and fellow union members when they want to hold a wildcat strike.

Director:

Guy Green

Writers:

Michael Craig (original treatment for the screen), Bryan Forbes (screenplay),

Stars:

Richard Attenborough, Pier Angeli, Michael Craig

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 5 wins & 5 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Richard Attenborough	...	Tom Curtis
Pier Angeli	...	Anna Curtis
Michael Craig	...	Joe Wallace
Bernard Lee	...	Bert Connolly
Alfred Burke	...	Travers
Geoffrey Keen	...	Davis
Laurence Naismith	...	Martindale
Russell Napier	...	Thompson
Penelope Horner	...	Pat
Brian Bedford	...	Eddie
Brian Murray	...	Gladys
Norman Bird	...	Roberts
Beckett Bould	...	Arkwright
Oliver Reed	...	Mick
Edna Petrie	...	Harpy

Storyline

The right of every individual to be different from his fellow men is the theme behind this internationally-hailed, British production. The story tells of a man's dilemma when he refused to participate in an unofficial strike, where he works. While vicious, calculated violence brings the other dissenters into line, he goes it alone and is sent to Coventry (given the silent treatment) by his fellow workers. A stirring, thought-provoking film that portrays the human problems and high emotions generated when a man dares to act on the courage of his convictions and dares fight to keep his individual freedom.

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Plot Keywords:

strike | factory | husband wife relationship | canteen | labor relations | 

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Taglines:

Rough, Tough, Deeply Moving

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

29 July 1960 (Sweden)

Also Known As:

Zorniges Schweigen

Filming Locations:

Hammersmith, London, England, UK

Box Office

Budget:

£98,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Beaver Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

95 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Richard Attenborough replaced Kenneth More.

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Connections

References From Here to Eternity (1953)

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Soundtracks

"Omo Commercial"
(uncredited)
Written by Cliff Adams

User Reviews

Attenborough the actor

"The Angry Silence" can be read in two ways: one, it is a pretty accurate depiction of the way union relations were run in the late 1950s and the shadow of the far left; or, it is a propaganda piece for the far right and nothing like the truth. There are strong arguments for both camps to be correct.

What struck me about the film was the central performance from Richard Attenborough as the lone worker standing up against bullying and blackmail from his trade union colleagues. One scene in particular which takes place in the canteen is a masterclass in screen acting of its type, and there are also good scenes between Attenborough and his screen wife, played by Pier Angeli, and his work colleague and lodger, played by Michael Craig.

Bryan Forbes always seemed to be veering off in different directions with the various movies on his CV, and this is an odd one. Whatever your politics, it is a good film and provokes a reaction. Whether the reaction is one which matches the reality has to remain open to question.