Cathy Come Home

As I have been comparing unfavourably contemporary TV drama to that of the past I thought I should revisit Cathy Come Home which I have now re-seen.

It started life as a Wednesday Play produced by Tony Garnett and directed by Ken Loach, the writer was Jeremy Sandford, husband of novelist Nell Dunn (Poor Cow and Up The Junction).  

It starred Carol White as Cathy and Ray Brooks as her husband Reg.

Carol White’s actual children appeared. It was filmed in 3 weeks in a semi-documentary style.

The issue of homelessness led to the creation of the Des Wilson charity Shelter.

The story of a young couple with positive aspirations who hit difficulties and lose their home makes it a period piece but the acting is excellent.

I watched Vigil and was struck how poorly-acted it was.

Ray Brooks went on on middle life to be an accomplished TV actor but Carol White, though she had looks comparable to Julie Christie and made a name for herself representing oppressed women, hit the buffers as well as alcohol and took her own life before she was 50.

Ken Loach went on to direct Kes and Land and Freedom and was associated with hard left causes.

I cannot say I enjoyed Cathy Come Home as it’s too sad and searing but 50 years on it still has impact, making the current crop of TV drama distinctly lacklustre.