“Saturday Night and Sunday Morning” is a British drama film from 1960 about the life of a young man named Arthur who spends his weekends partying and sleeping with different women, but struggles to find purpose during the weekdays working at a factory. Arthur’s character is a rebel without a cause, drowning in alcohol and aimlessness. The movie portrays working-class life with raw honesty, revealing the harsh reality of post-war Britain. It’s a powerful critique of social norms and expectations.
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Review
As a renowned researcher, storyteller, and professor at the University of Houston, Brené Brown has taught us how to rise from difficult circumstances and embrace our vulnerabilities. And what better way to learn about life’s challenges than through the characters in films? One such film is “Saturday Night and Sunday Morning,” a classic British drama that has stood the test of time.
Released in 1960, “Saturday Night and Sunday Morning” was directed by Karel Reisz, starring Albert Finney as Arthur Seaton, a hard-drinking factory worker who finds pleasure in rebelling against societal norms.
The film is based on Alan Sillitoe’s novel of the same name which portrays a young man living in 1950s Nottingham. It provides an honest glimpse into working-class life during that time while simultaneously challenging the conventional morality of post-war Britain.
In this article, we’ll dive into what makes this movie so timeless by analyzing its plot, characters, cinematography, music score, awards it has won and more.
The Plot
“Saturday Night and Sunday Morning” follows the story of Arthur Seaton (Albert Finney), who spends his weeknights drinking at pubs with his friends after working a monotonous job at a factory. But when he starts sleeping with one of his married co-workers (Brenda), things become more complicated.
As their secret affair continues, Brenda becomes pregnant and wants to leave her husband for Arthur. However, Arthur has no intention of being tied down by anyone – let alone a baby.
At odds with himself and Brenda’s husband Jack (played masterfully by Bryan Pringle), Arthur embarks on one final rebellious act before finding himself on the brink of self-destruction.
The Characters
Arthur Seaton is a character that embodies rebellion with every fiber of his being. Despite his anti-establishment personality trait that makes him brash and confrontational towards people, you can’t help but root for him. He is an unapologetic womanizer who manages to maintain a certain charm with his wit and charisma.
Brenda, played by Rachel Roberts, is the epitome of the stereotypical housewife in 1950s Britain. She’s trapped in a loveless marriage and finds solace in her affair with Arthur. However, this soon turns to disappointment and desperation when she realizes that he won’t leave his reckless lifestyle behind.
The cinematography
“Saturday Night and Sunday Morning” invokes the timelessness of black and white cinema. Cinematographer Freddie Francis captures the gray aesthetics of 1950s industrial England while using light and contrast to bring out the characters’ emotions.
One standout shot that showcases Francis’s mastery is when Arthur is introduced at the beginning of the film. He’s seen lying on his bed, smoking a cigarette, as sunlight illuminates one side of his face while darkness engulfs the other.
The Music Score
John Dankworth’s jazz-infused score adds an extra layer of atmosphere to “Saturday Night and Sunday Morning”. The soundtrack has an almost haunting quality that immerses you into Arthur’s world. The saxophone track that plays whenever Arthur enters a pub sets up an ominous tone that foreshadows trouble brewing.
The Awards
The movie was a box office hit during its release in Britain and achieved international acclaim later on. It won three British Academy Film Awards – Best British Film, Best British Screenplay for Alan Sillitoe, and Most Promising Newcomer for Albert Finney.
Critics’ Opinion
“Saturday Night and Sunday Morning” was considered groundbreaking at the time of its release due to its portrayal of working-class life in post-war Britain. The film managed to capture that sense of disillusionment felt by young people who were tired of conforming to societal norms.
Upon re-watching it today, the film still holds up as a classic British drama that portrays a time in history that’s often overlooked in modern-day films.
One of the most iconic quotes from the movie is “Whatever people say I am, that’s what I’m not.” This quote captures Arthur Seaton’s essence of being unapologetic and his relentless desire to be himself. It’s also interesting to note how this quote may have inspired a young band from Sheffield that would go by the name of Arctic Monkeys.
Final Thoughts
“Saturday Night and Sunday Morning” remains an influential piece of cinema even after 60 years since its release. It’s one of those movies that capture the spirit of rebellion and never goes out of style.
The movie depicts a time when societal norms were being challenged, and morality was in flux. Albert Finney’s brilliant acting and Karel Reisz’s confident direction made “Saturday Night and Sunday Morning” stand out in a crowded market.
The legacy that “Saturday Night and Sunday Morning” has left behind is proof that great storytelling is timeless, and it can inspire generations for years to come.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 90
- Release : 1960-10-27
- Genre : Drama, Romance
- Cast : Albert Finney as Arthur Seaton, Shirley Anne Field as Doreen, Rachel Roberts as Brenda, Hylda Baker as Aunt Ada, Norman Rossington as Bert
- Crew : Harry Saltzman as Executive Producer, Freddie Francis as Director of Photography, Tom Pevsner as Assistant Director, Ronnie Taylor as Camera Operator, Edward Marshall as Art Direction
- Popularity 9.523
- Budget : 0
- Revenue : 0
- Company : Woodfall Film Productions
- Summary : A 22-year-old factory worker lets loose on the weekends: drinking, brawling, and dating two women, one of whom is older and married.
- Tagline : Saturday night you have your fling at life…and Sunday morning you face up to it!
