Watch Hindle Wakes

Hindle Wakes is a British drama film released in the year 1952. Directed by Arthur Crabtree, the film stars Lisa Daniely, Leslie Dwyer, and Sandra Dorne in the lead roles. The movie is based on a play of the same name written by Stanley Houghton and is set in the industrial town of Hindle in Lancashire, England. The storyline revolves around two young lovers who elope together for a weekend in the wake of the annual mill workers' holiday. Fanny, played by Lisa Daniely, is a working-class girl who works at a mill and is a mill worker’s daughter. Alan, played by John McCallum in a remarkable performance, is the son of the mill owner, who is expected to marry someone of his social class. But he falls in love with Fanny and they both decide to run away together for a weekend, staying at a hotel in the nearby seaside resort of Llandudno.

While on their weekend holiday, they both enjoy each other's company and are seen happy, but soon they realize that they belong to different worlds and this eternal happiness cannot last long. As this affair comes to light, their families and society think Fanny has ‘sullied’ herself and they start to disapprove of her actions. The town, largely enveloped in a patriarchal ambience, becomes a testing ground for this clash of culture, class, and morality.

The aftermath of their weekend escape causes a stir in Hindle, with both Fanny and Alan facing vastly different societal consequences. Her father, Nathaniel Jeffcote (played by Norman Pierce), is initially horrified by Fanny’s actions, especially when it comes to light that she spent the weekend with Alan. This causes a rift between father and daughter, and the audience is treated to an emotionally powerful performance by Norman Pierce as he navigates his anger, confusion, and shock. Nathaniel eventually comes to understand the situation in a more accepting way, but the rest of the town isn't so liberal.

Alan, on the other hand, returns to his own class and expects to be received with open arms, merrily recounting his story of weekend frolics. However, he faces anger from his own mother (played by Marjorie Rhodes), who is adamant that he marry a woman of his own social standing to uphold his caste. In the end, Alan gets engaged to a rich socialite, played by Sandra Dorne, in order to salvage his family reputation at the cost of his own happiness.

The film's story deals with the issue of social class and infidelity, and how society perceives individuals actions differently based on which strata they belong to. The film challenges the patriarchal norms of society in relation to gender roles, social class, and personal freedom.

The scenic beauty of Llandudno’s seaside resort serves as a backdrop to several emotional scenes, along with the scenic beauty of Hindle’s streets and countryside, which offer a contrast to the life that Fanny and Alan live. The film’s climax is intense and dramatic, topped off with an emotionally powerful ending that will leave the viewer pondering on the issues raised.

Overall, Hindle Wakes is an intense and thought-provoking film that raises several social issues that are relevant even today, over six decades later. The film's stellar performances, brilliant cinematography, and gripping storyline make it a must-watch for fans of the drama genre who enjoy socially conscious films that push the envelope.

Hindle Wakes is a 1952 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes.