Saturday Night and Sunday Morning

Watch Saturday Night and Sunday Morning

"Saturday night you have your fling at life...and Sunday morning you face up to it!"
  • Approved
  • 1961
  • 1 hr 29 min
  • 7.5  (9,183)

Saturday Night and Sunday Morning is a 1960 British film directed by Karel Reisz and is based on the novel of the same name by Alan Sillitoe. The movie features Albert Finney as Arthur Seaton, an ambitious and rebellious young man who works in a factory in Nottingham. The movie opens with Arthur spending his evenings in the local pub, drinking with his friends and flirting with various women. He is engaged to Brenda (played by Rachel Roberts), a wealthy and respectable woman who he is not particularly interested in. Arthur is more interested in Doreen (played by Shirley Anne Field), a young and beautiful woman who works at the same factory as him.

Arthur is a skilled machinist who takes pride in his work but is dissatisfied with his life. He resents the drudgery of working in a factory and dreams of a better life. He considers himself a rebel and constantly challenges authority, both at work and in his personal life.

One night, after a particularly heavy drinking session, Arthur has a one night stand with a married woman named Brenda (played by Hylda Baker). The affair is short-lived, as Brenda's husband finds out and confronts Arthur, leading to a physical altercation.

As Arthur continues his affair with Doreen, Brenda finds out and threatens to end their engagement. However, Arthur is unrepentant and tells her that he never loved her in the first place. He also tells her that he wants to live his life on his own terms, rather than settling down and conforming to societal expectations.

Arthur's reckless behavior catches up with him when he steals money from the factory and is caught by his boss. He is fired from his job and finds himself without a source of income. However, rather than being chastened by his actions, Arthur becomes even more defiant and declares that he will find a way to make a living on his own terms.

The movie ends on a hopeful note, with Arthur and Doreen riding away on a motorcycle, looking towards a future full of possibility.

Saturday Night and Sunday Morning was a groundbreaking film when it was released in 1960. Its portrayal of a working-class protagonist who was rebellious and ambitious was a departure from the traditional British films of the time. Albert Finney's performance as Arthur Seaton was praised for its energy and authenticity, and the film's exploration of themes such as class, rebellion, and personal fulfillment made it a seminal work in British cinema.

Overall, Saturday Night and Sunday Morning is a compelling and thought-provoking film that remains relevant today. Its exploration of issues such as class, individuality, and societal expectations is still resonant, and the performances of the cast are truly remarkable. If you're a fan of British cinema or are interested in exploring films that challenge traditional narratives, then this is definitely a movie that should be on your radar.

Saturday Night and Sunday Morning
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Description
  • Release Date
    1961
  • MPAA Rating
    Approved
  • Runtime
    1 hr 29 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    7.5  (9,183)