The Ploughman's Lunch (1983)

James Penfield (Jonathan Pryce) has made a career out of journalism. Now bankrupt, he finds himself with a group of other writers in the middle of the dispute-ridden British homeland at the time of the Falklands War.

Director:

Richard Eyre

Writer:

Ian McEwan

Stars:

Jonathan Pryce, William Maxwell, Paul Jesson

Nominated for 1 BAFTA Film Award. Another 1 win.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jonathan Pryce	...	James Penfield
William Maxwell	...	Journalist
Paul Jesson	...	Journalist
Andy Rashleigh	...	Journalist
Christopher Fulford	...	Young Journalist
David Lyon	...	Newsreader
David de Keyser	...	Gold
Polly Abbott	...	Gold's Assistant
Tim Curry	...	Jeremy Hancock
Charlie Dore	...	Susan Barrington
Peter Walmsley	...	Bob Tuckett
Robert Cartland	...	Editor (as Bob Cartland)
Nat Jackley	...	Mr. Penfield
Pearl Hackney	...	Mrs. Penfield
Simon Stokes	...	Edward

Storyline

James Penfield (Jonathan Pryce) has made a career out of journalism. Now bankrupt, he finds himself with a group of other writers in the middle of the dispute-ridden British homeland at the time of the Falklands War.

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Plot Keywords:

falklands war | british renaissance | norfolk england | london england | speech | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Certificate:

R

Did You Know?

Trivia

The poem recited by Edward (Simon Stokes) was provided to the production by British poet, writer, essayist, and cartoonist Christopher Reid.

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Connections

Referenced in Century of Cinema: A Personal History of British Cinema by Stephen Frears (1995)

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Soundtracks

War Front
(uncredited)
Music by Trevor Duncan
Boosey & Hawkes Music Ltd

User Reviews

Something chilling this way comes

Totally agree - have been a huge fan of this film since I saw it on Channel 4 in the mid 80's and while it's been many years since I've seen it it lingers in the mind like a cold stain,with the reprehensible character that Jonathan Pryce plays remaining one of the most mesmerising cold and self-serving people ever committed to film - the final shot,without giving it away,is breathtakingly harsh and sums up his persona in one callous masterstroke.

It is also beautifully crafted/shot and scored,with a dark and entrancing mood maintained throughout. I've literally only just found out today it was released on DVD in the UK a couple of years ago so have ordered a copy.

Extraordinary stuff and one of the great movies of the 1980's. Mike Wesley

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

May 1983 (UK)

Also Known As:

The Ploughman's Lunch

Filming Locations:

Oxford Circus Station, Oxford Circus, Oxford Street, London, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Goldcrest Films International, Greenpoint Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

107 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1