The Children’s Film Foundation Collection: Runaways

Three films about teens and tearaways. Starring Robin Askwith, Terence Morgan and Gary Kemp, and directed by such celebrated filmmakers as Lewis Gilbert (You Only Live Twice, Educating Rita, Alfie).

For over 30 years the Children’s Film Foundation produced quality entertainment for young audiences, employing the cream of British filmmaking talent. Newly transferred from the best available elements held in the BFI National Archive, these much-loved and fondly remembered films finally return to the screen — after many years out of distribution — in this specially curated DVD release from the BFI.

Johnny on the Run a superb early work by illustrious British director Lewis Gilbert which follows orphaned Polish refugee Janek who runs into trouble in the shape of two scheming thieves. Starring popular character actor Sydney Tafler (Carve Her Name with Pride, The Spy who Loved Me) as a cunning spiv, and featuring an appearance from John Laurie (The 39 Steps, Dad’s Army), Johnny on the Run is an action-packed adventure with a remarkable performance from its young lead.

Hide and Seek (dir. David Eady) stars a teenage Gary Kemp (The Krays) as do-gooding Chris, who becomes entangled with a borstal escapee known locally as the Deptford Dodger. With friend Bev, Chris traces the ungrateful Dodger’s disreputable dad. With Roy Dotrice and Robin Askwith in supporting roles, this thriller is among the best of the Foundations 1970s output.

In Terry on the Fence (dir. Frank Godwin), when 11 year-old protagonist runs away from home he only intends to put the wind up his parents. But a gang of older bullies, led by the tough Les, soon draw him into their daunting world of break-ins and stolen goods. Based on a book by author Bernard Ashley, Terry on the Fence goes far beyond the concept of goodies and baddies, to the ambiguity at the heart of Terry’s moral dilemma.

• Brand new High Definition transfers of all films.
• Illustrated booklet including contributions written by Gary Kemp and Neville Watson