Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #43471 in DVD
• Released on: 2003-06-30
• Rating: Parental Guidance
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Formats: Black & White, PAL
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 77 minutes

DVD Description
Commentary by Ken Loach Extracts from writer Jeremy Sandford's memoirs read by James Fox An early documentary Housing Problems Director's biography.

Special Features
4:3
English
Region 2
Commentary By Ken Loach
Extracts From Jeremy Sandfords Memoirs Read By James Fox
Earlier Documentary On Housing Problems
Directors Biography

Synopsis
CATHY COME HOME is an early example of director Ken Loach's pioneering realist style. Originally broadcast in 1966 as part of the BBC's 'Wednesday Play' series, the film tells the tale of a young family who find themselves in a chain of events that will eventually leave them homeless. Reaction to the first showing was so strong that questions were asked in Parliament (eventually contributing to a change in the law) and a new charity, Shelter, was formed to help the homeless.

Customer Reviews

Stark Drama That Shook A Nation
In 1966 The Wednesday Play brought us one of the most significant pieces of work that has ever been transmitted on British television. Written by Jeremy Sandford and directed by Ken Loach, this single drama had such a profound effect on its showing, that Britain would never be the same again. The play was called Cathy Come Home.

Never before or since has one single piece of drama had such an effect on an entire nation. The stark realism of Cathy Come Home led to changes in social attitudes and the issues addressed were discussed in Parliament.

Stark, unremittingly grim and charged with a palpable tragic power which haunts the minds of those who saw it to this very day, Cathy Come Home remains as a truly ground-breaking piece of dramatic documentary fiction. Although director Loach has constantly refused to take credit for the impact that "Cathy" had on social attitudes, stating that the drama had a minimal effect, and reminding us that the homeless problem is far worse today than it ever was in the 1960's, rarely has a programme so clearly illustrated the true power of television. Even more rarely has television succeeded in touching the conscience of an entire nation.

For all ages
The night we had planned to watch this film, we unexpectedly had 4 children staying overnight (ranging from 7 to 15), but decided to watch it anyway as we had to send it back. They were not at all thrilled to see that it was in black and white, but it was interresting to see how quickly it held and caught their attention right through to the end. But what was even more enlightening was the discussion between them which followed. An eye opener for all of us, and a reminder of how things were, and still are, for many people. Also to count our many blessings!

Haunting and powerful.....
I watched Cathy Come Home on dvd just last night and simply had to give it a 5 star Amazon rating.
I can't even begin to say how much this affected me, the importance of this television drama even today cannot be understated and it will stay with you long after. It has to be one of the most heartbreaking british films ever made. Beautifully acted by all, you just hope all the way through that everything for Cathy and her children will be allright. I came to this as a person not even alive when this was made, and watched it not really knowing the story that well.
I think this film is essential viewing for all, and those who didn't get to see it the first time should undoubtedly make the effort to see it.
I'm generally speaking not one for watching extras on DVDs but the short
10 min or so documentary that accompanies this DVD is also interesting viewing (though perhaps smacks a little of government propaganda), the biographies of the writer and director are interesting reading too.
You can't help but feel that (without giving anything away) if this were American everything would have turned our alright and that Cathy and her family would have not been so tragically let down. The stark realism depicted is as relevant today as it was back in 1966. Buy it.....