Running Scared (1972 film)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
David Hemmings
(screenplay)
Hugo Butler
(adaptation)
by Gregory Mcdonald
Gareth Wigan
| Running Scared | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Theatrical Release Poster | |
| Directed by | David Hemmings |
| Written by | Clive Exton David Hemmings (screenplay) Hugo Butler (adaptation) |
| Based on | Running Scared by Gregory Mcdonald |
| Produced by | Stanley O'Toole Gareth Wigan |
| Starring | Robert Powell Gayle Hunnicutt |
| Cinematography | Ernest Day |
| Edited by | Ralph Sheldon |
| Music by | Michael J. Lewis |
| Color process | Technicolor |
Production company | Wigan-Hemmings-O'Toole |
| Distributed by | Paramount British Pictures |
Release date |
|
Running time | 98 minutes |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
Running Scared is a 1972 British drama film directed and co-written by David Hemmings. This was Hemmings' only film as a writer, and his first time directing. It was based on the 1964 novel of the same name written by Gregory Mcdonald.[1]
Tom Betancourt (Robert Powell), a student at Cambridge University, leaves after having watched his best friend commit suicide by slashing his wrists. On principle, Tom refused to interfere, having discussed the matter with his friend, who had insisted that the suicide was his choice and that he did not wish it to be prevented.
Tom then visits his friend's parents under an assumed name, and falls in love with the dead boy's sister (Gayle Hunnicutt). A complicated affair ensues.
Cast
- Robert Powell as Tom Betancourt
- Gayle Hunnicutt as Ellen Case
- Barry Morse as Mr. Case
- Stephanie Bidmead as Mrs. Case
- Edward Underdown as Mr. Betancourt
- Maxine Audley as Mrs. Betancourt
- Georgia Brown as Sarah
- Ben Howard as Charlie
- Paul Williamson as John
- John Bailey as Inspector
- John Franklyn-Robbins as Dean
- Terrence Hardiman as Doctor
- Bernard Kay as Mr. Willis
- Andy Bradford as Casey
- Joseph Greig as Porter
Production
Filming
Gregory Mcdonald's original novel takes place between Harvard University and Long Island. The film switches the location from Cambridge, Massachusetts to Cambridge, England.
Filmed on location in Braunston, mainly around the canal and marina. Other filming took place in high street, Daventry, at Bilton Grange and at Oundle School in Northamptonshire. The film crew spent most of the summer of 1971 there and local people were asked to be extras. A film camera was positioned on top of the then disused windmill to film Robert Powell in the Austin-Healey sports car being driven through the village. The windmill was also used as the "base" for the crew.
Casting
Heather MacRae was originally cast as Ellen Case and began location filming until she was fired by Hemmings for being unable to perform, possibly for drug reasons. Although not ideally suited for the role, Gayle Hunnicutt was drafted in to take it on at short notice.[citation needed]