The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner (1962)

In the gritty heart of Nottingham, Colin Smith lives a life of suppressed fury and rebellion. Born into a working-class family, his existence is marred by displeasure and disdain for the authority figures that surround him. His home, ruled by a mother more interested in insurance payouts than familial bonds, offers little solace, pushing him towards a life of petty larceny alongside his companion, Mike. The death of his father only deepens the chasm of distrust, particularly when his mother swiftly replaces his father with another man. Colin's transgressions eventually lead him to the stern gates of Ruxton Towers Reformatory, a punishing institution where he's expected to pay for his crimes. His initial entry is marked by hardship until the Governor, an imposing figure with a stern countenance, discovers Colin's remarkable talent for long-distance running. As Colin races across landscapes, evading the clutches of pursuing law enforcement, he inadvertently unveils a skill that could possibly be his ticket to a better life. The Governor, seeing potential in the rough-edged youth, decides to harness Colin's running prowess to demonstrate the reformative power of his institution. He presents Colin with a daunting challenge - to represent Ruxton Towers in its inaugural track meet against a prestigious public school. A victory would not only showcase Colin's transformation but also validate the Governor's ability to mould these wayward boys into contributing members of society. In the throbbing pulse of each run, Colin finds a semblance of freedom he's long craved. Yet, as he navigates through the lonely stretches of his marathon training, he is drawn into poignant reveries of his past life. This introspection forces him to reassess his position as the Governor's protege and his ultimate act of defiance begins to take form. Amid the sweat, solitude, and the pounding rhythm of his heartbeat, Colin must decide what freedom truly means for him, and how far he's willing to run to attain it.

The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner is a drama movie featuring Michael Redgrave and directed by Tony Richardson.

The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Freevee and Tubi TV.

It is also possible to buy The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner on Amazon Video, Apple TV, DIRECTV, Google Play Movies, Vudu and YouTube.