Seacoal
1985Betty and her daughter Corinna are introduced to the harsh seacoaling way of life by Ray, an ex-seacoaler returning from a job with ICI. His offer of a caravan on a cliff top and promises of the Klondyke that awaits them at least seem preferable to the violent marriage she has left behind. The film sets Betty's struggle for survival against the wider struggles of the seacoaling community, surviving on the fringes of capitalism. Despite the exploitation by a local entrepreneur, run-ins with dole snoops and School Board men and the ever encroaching regulations of a hostile council, their lives retain a kind of anarchic romance, which is reflected in the film's lyrical style.
Acted in
Amber Styles
as Betty
Corrina Stubbs
as Corrina
Benny Graham
as Joe
Tom Hadaway
as Man in Dole
Martin Murray
as Counter Clerk
Sammy Johnson
as Ronnie
Steve Trafford
as DHSS Investigator
Mo Harrold
as Woman in Dole
Gwen Doran
as Mother's Voice
Trevor Critchlow
as Critch
Val Waciak
as Val
Stan Robinson
as Stan
Gordon Tait
as Taity
John Cook
as John
Rosie Laidlaw
as Rosie
Brian Laidlaw
as Brian
Alison Laidlaw
as Alison
Helen Laidlaw
as Helen
Rockers Laidlaw
as Rockers
Nini Laidlaw
as Nini
Ray Stubbs
as Ray