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Channel 4

1 x 50 minutes
Transmitted 17 November 1998
A Century Films production for
Cutting Edge, Channel 4

Photography
Tony Coldwell and Lawrence Gardner
Sound
Andy Cottom, John Curtis
and Ian Maclagan
Voice of Robin Skells
Mark Straker
Music
Julian Stewart Lindsay
Archive researcher
Martin Leonard
Editor
Jo Ann Kaplan
Producer
Katie Bailiff
Directors
Brian Hill and Nicholas O’Dwyer

 

Men at Fifty (1998)

On November 14, 1948, 900 baby boys were born in Britain. One of these boys was Prince Charles, but what about the others? This film explores the lives of a group of men born on the same day as Prince Charles as they approach their fiftieth year.

The cross-section of men includes Tom, a high court judge, Barry, a lorry driver, Ken, who has served several jail terms and Bob, a teacher with cerebral palsy. In the main part of the film the men get together over a weekend to review their lives and plans for the future.

Prince Charles’ life is told in archive and the men compare their lives with the future king. This reflective film is by turns poignant, humorous and melancholy, offering insights into the shared experience of time and mortality.


"A quietly telling portrait of middle-aged men who, in a rapidly changing world, are trying to make sense of their existence.”
Time Out.

"As these very different men discuss life, love and death, they paint a wider picture of
the mindset of the British
male at 50.”

Daniela Soave, The Daily Mail.

"An often touching documentary.”
The Independent.