Second Best (1994)

Graham, a lonely Welsh postal worker, adopts James, a troubled ten-year-old boy. Graham always wanted a son, but James loves his biological father too much to give Graham a chance. Will the two be able to accept each other as family?

Director:

Chris Menges

Writers:

David Cook (novel), David Cook (screenplay)

Stars:

William Hurt, Nathan Yapp, Keith Allen

1 win & 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
William Hurt	...	Graham Holt
Nathan Yapp	...	Jimmy
Keith Allen	...	John
Chris Cleary Miles	...	James
Doris Irving	...	Adoption Shop Volunteer
James Warrior	...	Senior Social Worker
Jane Horrocks	...	Debbie
Alfred Lynch	...	Edward
Rachel Freeman	...	Elsie
Gus Troakes	...	Jeffo
Mossie Smith	...	Lynn
Martin Troakes	...	Colin
Shaun Dingwall	...	Graham, age 20
Paul Wilson	...	Colin, age 20
Alan Cumming	...	Bernard

Storyline

Graham Holt is a lonely middle-aged man who runs a postal substation in a small village in England. He decides to adopt a son. James is the troubled youth he gets with the assistance of social worker Debbie. James has been in an orphanage for years since his mother committed suicide. He adores his outlaw father John, sent to prison not long after the mother's death. Can James learn to love Graham? Can Graham settle for being second best?

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Plot Keywords:

orphanage | village | suicide | social worker | lesbian slur | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for thematic elements

Details

Country:

UK USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

30 September 1994 (USA)

Also Known As:

Difícil elección

Filming Locations:

Brighton, East Sussex, England, UK

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$19,190, 2 October 1994

Gross USA:

$86,115

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$86,115

Company Credits

Production Co:

Alcor Films, Fron Film Production, Regency Enterprises

Technical Specs

Runtime:

105 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Final theatrical movie of Alfred Lynch (Edward).

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Quotes

Graham: I know where you've gone. I know where you're hiding. To have nothing, to feel nothing, to be nothing. It doesn't work, I've tried it. Anything's possible, Jamie, except feeling nothing. That's never possible.

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Connections

Featured in At the Movies: Only You/Second Best/Pulp Fiction (1994)

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Soundtracks

Imagination
Written and Performed by Simon Boswell
Published by Sunfun Ltd.

User Reviews

an overlooked but terrific film

William Hurt is an interesting actor. Although he has made many money making Hollywood films, he seems to enjoy also making small artistic films that MUST bring him a lot less money but perhaps more personal satisfaction. Among these many "little" films he has done is Second Best--an odd little film well worth watching. Is it a perfect film? Certainly not. At times, it is a bit slow and emotionally sterile--though this is needed due to the type man Hurt is portraying. For some inexplicable reason (it would have been nice to know more about WHY), Welshman Hurt decides to take in a hard to adopt boy with the intention of adopting him. Because the boy has lots of emotional baggage, they do not easily bond and their relationship is strained. However, just because there are these awkward moments, do not stop watching--the payoff is there and the characters are much more realistic (with all their foibles) than what you are usually given in a typical movie!