The Happy Lands (2012)

The Happy Lands tracks the lives of the Brogan, Guthrie and Baxter families as they overcome the economic challenges brought about by the 1926 General Strike.

Director:

Robert Rae

Writers:

Peter Cox, Robert Rae (principal writer)

Stars:

Kevin Clarke, Jokie Wallace, Aaron Jones

Cast

Credited cast:
Kevin Clarke	...	Michael Brogan
Jokie Wallace	...	Dan Guthrie
Aaron Jones	...	Wee Baxie
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Kevin Adair	...	Davey King
Farah Ahmed	...	Mary Miller
Stevie Allan	...	Pug Henderson
Jez Arrow	...	Economic League
Michael Barney	...	Special Constable
Madeline Berry	...	Granny King
Josh Brown	...	Pat Brogan
Cllr Willie Clarke	...	Regional Union Official
Craig Clarke	...	Andy Jenkins
Kristen Clarke	...	Billy Jenkins
Patricia Colville	...	Jenny Saville
Fiona Combe	...	Lily Wilson

Storyline

Robert Rae's second feature film conveys a world burning with raw-edged political relevance. It's 1926. Britain is taken to the brink of revolution only seven years after the slaughter of the trenches. Savage austerity cuts imposed by the government turn law abiding citizens into law breakers in a heroic battle against the state. From the makers of the multi-award winning feature, Trouble Sleeping, comes a courageous and inspiring testament to the fighting spirit of our times. Created from the true stories of Scottish miners, The Happy Lands shines with honesty and integrity. Outstanding performances are underpinned with powerful emotional authenticity that will reach audiences across the world.

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Genres:

Drama | History

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Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

17 February 2013 (UK)

Filming Locations:

Bo'ness and Kinneil Railway, Bo'ness, West Lothian, Scotland, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Theatre Workshop

Technical Specs

Runtime:

108 min

Color:

Color

User Reviews

Entertaining, educational and a right good watch.

A superb community film with high production values. The film fully captures the Fife Mining Community values and view of life. Set in 1926 with many cast members playing their Grandparents it is well acted and gripping throughout. The story is told wonderfully well and is a joy for all ages. The main characters are come across as being real and the performances are excellent given that the actors had no previous experience. The people from TWS(Theatre Workshop Scotland) have done a remarkable job. All of the sets were made by volunteers. I believe that it will be shown on BBC Scotland at some point but the big screen is always better than the small one, in my opinion.

Watch out for it and go see it.