

Movie spotlight
Roll On Four O'Clock
Compelling drama from screenwriter Colin Welland set in a city comprehensive school of low expectations and ambitions. Pupil Latimer does not conform to the macho culture and is labeled a homosexual, leading to bullying by both the pupils and some of the teachers.
Insights
Plot Summary
This documentary by Peter Watkins, filmed in 1967 but released in 1970, examines the escalating involvement of the United States in the Vietnam War. It features interviews with American soldiers, policymakers, and anti-war activists, weaving together personal testimonies and historical footage to create a powerful indictment of the conflict. The film explores the motivations behind the war, the experiences of those fighting it, and the growing dissent against it.
Critical Reception
As a highly critical and anti-war documentary, 'Roll On Four O'Clock' was met with controversy and limited release in the United States upon its eventual availability. However, its unflinching look at the human cost of war and its complex political underpinnings has earned it recognition as a significant work of political cinema and a valuable historical document.
What Reviewers Say
A powerful and moving anti-war statement.
Provides a comprehensive historical and personal perspective on the Vietnam War.
Praised for its direct and unsparing approach to sensitive subject matter.
Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce due to the film's limited distribution, but those available often commend its historical significance and its unflinching portrayal of the Vietnam War's impact.
Fun Fact
Peter Watkins filmed 'Roll On Four O'Clock' (originally titled 'The 1967 Vietnam Vietnam War Report') in 1967, but it was not widely released until 1970 due to concerns about its anti-war stance.
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