The Boy Who Turned Yellow

Infobox Film
name = The Boy Who Turned Yellow


image_size = 225px
caption = video cover
director = Michael Powell
producer = Emeric Pressburger
writer = Emeric Pressburger
starring = Mark Dightam
Robert Eddison
Helen Weir
Brian Worth
music = Patrick Gowers, David Vorhaus
cinematography = Christopher Challis
editing = Peter Boita
distributor = Rank
released = 16 September fy|1972 "(UK)"
runtime = 55 minutes
country = United Kingdom
language = English
budget =
gross =
imdb_id = 0068311

"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 Nic (short for Electro"nic") (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

This strange little (55 minute) film was the last film made by Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger. They also brought in some of their old colleagues from "The Archers", such cinematographer Christopher Challis and actor Esmond Knight.

Location shooting took place at sites around London: [IMDB [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0068311/locations Filming locations] ]
*Chalk Farm Tube Station, Belsize Park
*Christchurch Hill, Hampstead
*Hampstead Heath, Hampstead
*Hampstead Tube Station, Hampstead
*Tower of London, Whitechapel
*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

*
*
*. Full synopsis and film stills (and clips viewable from UK libraries).
* [http://www.powell-pressburger.org/Reviews/72_BWTY Reviews and articles] at the [http://www.powell-pressburger.org Powell & Pressburger Pages]