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 Century Films production for Cutting Edge, Channel 4

1 x 50 minutes

PhotographyTony ColdwellLawrence GardnerSoundAndy CottomJohn CurtisIan MaclaganVoice of Robin SkellsMark StrakerMusicJulian Stewart LindsayArchive researcherMartin LeonardEditorJo Ann KaplanProducerKatie BailiffDirectorsBrian HillNicholas O’Dwyer

Awards/Reviews

"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."The Daily Mail

"An often touching documentary."The Independent