A rebellious youth, sentenced to a boy’s reformatory for robbing a bakery, rises through the ranks of the institution by impressing its Governor through his prowess as a long distance runner. He is encouraged to compete in an upcoming race, but faces ridicule from his peers.

Michael Redgrave
as Ruxton Towers Reformatory Governor

Tom Courtenay
as Colin Smith

Avis Bunnage
as Mrs. Smith

Alec McCowen
as Brown, House Master

James Bolam
as Mike

Joe Robinson
as Roach

Dervis Ward
as Detective

Topsy Jane
as Audrey

Julia Foster
as Gladys

James Fox
as Willy Gunthorpe - Ranley School Runner (uncredited)
CinemaSerf
Tom Courtenay is superb as "Colin Smith" who, along with his pal "Mike" (James Bolam) spends much of his time committing petty crimes to alleviate the boredom of his life. When his father dies, his rather venal mother (Avis Bunnage) can't wait for the insurance money; hooks up almost immediately wit...