The performance of Tom Courtenay and the imaginative, if sometimes overfussy, direction of Tony Richardson, plus some standout lensing by Walter Lassally makes this a worthwhile pic.

Most of the period hallmarks of the British New Wave are paraded here.

While this show of compassion may not sit comfortably with those who distrust social agitation and too easy sympathy, it must be said that a splendid presentation is made by Mr. Richardson.

With so many styles incorporated, it's no wonder that the film has no style, nor does it have anything that might pass for aesthetic structure. The bits and pieces are choppily assembled, with clumsily overlapped dialogue serving as makeshift bridges.