The Boy Who Turned Yellow (1972) is the last film collaboration by the British filmmakers Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, and the last film directed by Michael Powell. The film was made for the Children's Film Foundation.
Plot
John (Mark Dightam) is a bit of a day-dreamer, always drifting off during his lessons. He is sent home for not paying attention during a lesson on electricity. But on the tube on the way home suddenly the train and everyone in it turns yellow. The doctor (Esmond Knight) declares that it's harmless and should wear off soon but that evening John hears noises from his television set and meets Nick (short for Electronic) (Robert Eddison). A strange adventure ensues which involves pet mice and John's threatened execution at the Tower of London.
Or was it all a dream?
Cast
- Mark Dightam as John
- Robert Eddison as Nick
- Helen Weir as Mrs. Saunders
- Brian Worth as Mr. Saunders
- Esmond Knight as Doctor
- Laurence Carter as Schoolteacher
- Patrick McAlinney as Supreme Beefeater
- Lem Dobbs as Munro
Production
The film was the last collaboration by Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger. They also brought in some of their old colleagues from The Archers, such as cinematographer Christopher Challis and actor Esmond Knight.
Location shooting took place at sites around London:
- Tower of London, Whitechapel
- Holborn tube station, Aldwych branch platform (as Chalk Farm tube station and Hampstead stations)
- Hampstead tube station, Hampstead (exterior only)
- Christchurch Hill, Hampstead
- Hampstead Heath, Hampstead
- Willow Road, Hampstead
Awards
The film won a "Chiffy" award from the Children's Film Foundation. The "Chiffy" award was voted for by the children themselves.
Notes
External links
- The Boy Who Turned Yellow at the Internet Movie Database
- The Boy Who Turned Yellow at AllMovie
- The Boy Who Turned Yellow at the British Film Institute's Screenonline. Full synopsis and film stills (and clips viewable from UK libraries).
- Reviews and articles at the Powell & Pressburger Pages