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Cast
Donald Eccles
as His Honour Judge King-Hamilton, QC
Norman Rodway
as John Mortimer, QC
Terrence Hardiman
as John Smyth
Gareth Thomas
as G. Robertson
Norman Rutherford
as Clerk of the Court
John Beardmore
as Court Usher
Chris Sanders
as Foreman of the Jury
Peter Machin
as Denis Lemon
Peter France
as Self
Denis Lemon
as Self
Movie Info & Details
Release Year1977
Runtime1h 13m
LanguageEnglish
CertificationNR
Genres—
Votes—
DirectorHugh David
WritersHugh David
TypeFeature Film
Rating0.0 out of 10
Cast10 credited
Also Known AsBlasphemy at the Old Bailey
About Blasphemy at the Old Bailey
In 1977 the Old Bailey saw the start of the first trial for blasphemy in this country for over half a century. Begun by Mary Whitehouse against the homosexual newspaper Gay News, it ended in a conviction, heavy fines and a suspended prison sentence for the editor. An appeal is pending. Was this prosecution an attack on free speech? Or was it a necessary defence of the principle that, even in a permissive society, some things must remain sacred? This dramatised documentary reconstructs the crucial moments of this historic trial, and explores the issues it raises. Peter France questions the people on both sides, including Mary Whitehouse and Denis Lemon, Editor, Gay News, about their actions and reactions during the case.
Directed by Hugh David, Blasphemy at the Old Bailey leans on a strong ensemble — Donald Eccles, Norman Rodway, Terrence Hardiman — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.
The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about screen titles of 1977.
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