Based on a remarkable true story, discover how the poor son of a miner became one of the greatest actors the world has ever known, with the help of an unlikely mentor.
In the Welsh town of Port Talbot, 1942, Richard Jenkins (Harry Lawtey) lives as a wayward schoolboy, caught between the pressures of his struggling family, a devastating war, and his own ambitions. However, a new opportunity arises when Richard’s natural talent for drama catches the attention of his teacher, Philip Burton (BAFTA winner Toby Jones).
Taking Richard under his wing, the young man thrives under Philip’s strict tutelage and the guidance of kindly landlady, Ma Smith (Academy Award nominee Lesley Manville). However, as the acting world comes within Richard’s reach, the burden of his past risks holding him back forever.
Genre: Biography / Biopic, Drama
Director: Marc Evans
Producer: Ed Talfan, Hannah Thomas (Severn Screen)
Cast: Aimee-Ffion Edwards, Aneurin Barnard, Steffan Rhodri
Filming Locations: Port Talbot, Afan Valley, Pontrhydyfen
Funding: Made with the support of Ffilm Cymru Wales with funding from Welsh Government’s Creative Wales and using proceeds from the National Lottery via the Arts Council for Wales.
Cast: Toby Jones, Harry Lawtey, Lesley Manville
Length: 124 minutes
Language: Bilingual (English / Welsh)
Certificate: 12A
Format: Blu-ray / DVD, DCP, MOV or MP4
Accessibility: Audio description and subtitles (TBC)
Date: 4th April 2025
