Seacoal

Seacoal

82 mins | Jan. 1, 1985

Betty 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.

Seacoal

82 mins | Jan. 1, 1985

Seacoal
Betty 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.
Producers
Original title Seacoal
Directors
Writers

Cast

Amber Styles

as Betty

Ray Stubbs

as Ray

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