Kes

British filmmaking showed much of it's potential in this marvellous production chronicling the boyhood experiences of Billy, son of a nothern miner whose expectations lead no further than following his father into the pits when he reaches manhood. The northern way of life and the general atmosphere of depression in the smoky mining towns are magnificently evoked. Billy himself is a very ordinary child doing the morning paper round, reading Desperate Dan on the way to school and playing football. Everything changes when he finds Kes, an injured Kestrel who he nurses and cherishes back to health. Kes becomes Billy's best friend and the boys obession with learning the ways of the hawk at last give him a purpose and once empty landscape assumes new dimensions. Tragedy, however, awaits as Billy and Kes are forced to face reality. "Kes" is a marvellous, moving and compassionate film. So realistic that it is often funny. Colin Welland (Oscar winner for "Chariots of Fire") stars as Billy's English teacher and Brian Glover plays the soccer mad P.E. teacher. It is written and directed by Ken Loach, produced by Tony Garnett and taken from the original novel by Barry Hines. ©1969 Woodfall Films Ltd.