I haven't seen this for many years but I remember it as a typically naturalistic account of a father who has problems communicating with his two sons who are in their late teens. David Daker, one of the reliable character actors who never seems to get his proper due, is totally believable as the father, and the sons are far more credible than the caricature youths middle-aged script-writers write today. It's downbeat, but should be repeated. Too many programmes that could be viewed again the BBC just sit on.
The political situation is commented on by the elder boy joining the army and being posted to Northern Ireland, but the play is not about Ireland so much, but about the impact his joining up has on his tight-lipped and emotionally awkward family.
The political situation is commented on by the elder boy joining the army and being posted to Northern Ireland, but the play is not about Ireland so much, but about the impact his joining up has on his tight-lipped and emotionally awkward family.
