Hollow Reed (1996)

Following the break-up of his marriage after revealing his homosexuality, GP Martin Wyatt loses custody of his son Oliver to his now ex-wife Hannah and her new partner Frank. It is not long... See full summary »

Director:

Angela Pope

Writers:

Neville Bolt (story), Paula Milne

Stars:

Sam Bould, Martin Donovan, Ian Hart

1 win & 6 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Sam Bould	...	Oliver Wyatt
Martin Donovan	...	Martyn Wyatt
Ian Hart	...	Tom Dixon
Joely Richardson	...	Hannah Wyatt
Jason Flemyng	...	Frank Donally
Shaheen Khan	...	Dr. Razmu
Kelly Hunter	...	Jamie's Mother
Tim Crouch	...	Site Foreman
Jane Hill	...	Record Shop Girl
Glen Hammond	...	Unemployed Youth
Simon Chandler	...	Mr. Bugler
Dilys Hamlett	...	School Nurse
Andy Rashleigh	...	Dr. Ian Slater
David Calder	...	Martin's Lawyer
Maeve Murphy	...	Sgt. Curtis

Storyline

Following the break-up of his marriage after revealing his homosexuality, GP Martin Wyatt loses custody of his son Oliver to his now ex-wife Hannah and her new partner Frank. It is not long, however, until Oliver appears at the house of Martin and his new lover Tom claiming to have been beaten up by boys in the park. After another incident, Martin puts two and two together and comes to the conclusion that Frank has been beating Oliver without Hannah's knowledge. Martin then begins a long courtroom custody battle to win back his son.

---

Plot Keywords:

custody | partner | boy | custody battle | beating | 

---

Taglines:

Another secret from the producers of The Crying Game.

---

Genres:

Drama

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for violence including child abuse, a strong sex scene and language

Details

Country:

UK Germany Spain

Language:

English

Release Date:

18 April 1997 (USA)

Also Known As:

Believe Me

Filming Locations:

Bath, Somerset, England, UK

Box Office

Gross:

$62,818 (USA) (2 May 1997)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Channel Four Films, Eurimages, Euro Media Guaranties

Technical Specs

Runtime:

104 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Goofs

A crew member can be seen in a mirror in the hallway when Dr. Wyatt goes through the hall, and up the stairs in Ollie's school and the other school boys are coming down the stairs. When the crew member turns his head toward the camera position, you can see he's wearing headphones.

---

Connections

References Star Wars (1977)

---

Soundtracks

"Train in Vain"
Written by Joe Strummer and Mick Jones
Performed by Annie Lennox

User Reviews

The Message Was Clear.

Oliver Wyatt [Sam Bould], who's at the centre of this drama, felt he would bring on more drama and feel blamed, coupled with the abuse he put up with if he expressed his feelings about it. Martyn Wyatt [Martin Donovan], who's the ex-husband and father to Oliver, battled discrimination from his wife and the court system to save his son. Tom Dixon [Ian Hart], Martyn's boyfriend, who stood by helplessly yet made the occassional attempt, ended up even more frustrated. Hannah Wyatt [Joely Richardson], who was torn between a possible failed relationship with her current boyfriend and the welfare of her son. Frank Donally [Jason Flemyng], the one who's oblivious to his treatment of the boy and trapped wrestling his own demons. All well-played roles by fine actors.