Accounts (1983 TV Movie) User Reviews

Will this film ever be shown again?

[roystonbetts · 6/10 · 26 January 2007]

Although not one of the greatest of the original Film 4 films in the early '80s, it is nevertheless an enjoyable and watchable movie that I would like to see again.

In common with the previous comment I would like to have a copy as a couple of the lead performances were notable and the story line (now oft repeated) was decent and at times gritty.

Considering Channel 4 / Film On 4 show a large number of films repeatedly, it seems a shame that they cannot find a slot to reshow this film. Also in common with the previous writer, I found approaching Channel 4 to be a waste of time.

Has anyone got a copy of 'Accounts' that th

Excellent film - I am still searching for a copy to keep

[p-manning-1 · 10/10 · 31 January 2005]

I saw this film on Channel 4 in the early eighties and it has stuck with me ever since. I am desperately wanting a copy so, if anyone taped it from TV or knows where I can get hold of a copy I would be most grateful.

Accounts is a brilliant film, very well casted and acted which kept me hooked from start to finish. The direction is atmospheric without being clichéd. The location countryside filming reminds me of The Slaughter Rule (also an excellent film).

Would love to see this film again. I have written to Channel 4 who were most unhelpful when they finally replied to my letter some eight weeks after I sent it. Channel 4 said that the film is not available commercially and they have no plans to show it again in the near future.

Paul - Jan 2005

A film that changed my life.

[sheepie1 · 10/10 · 26 February 2009]

And I thought I was the only person in the world who was hoping to find a copy of this film.

This film had a profound affect on me as a 15 year old. The synopsis was very similar to my own life - even with regards to the area setting of the film. For me, it was a film that triggered an affirmation within myself, that just maybe I wasn't the only gay rural farming teenager in the world!

I would dearly love to be able to (at least) watch this film again! It is sad that in this day & age with technology being what it is that C4 has not seen fit to re-show it.

terrific film

[ozmad · 10/10 · 17 November 2007]

I saw this film many years ago on TV. I would dearly like to see it again. I have been searching the web in an effort to download it, but to no avail. Why oh why am I unable to get any info on it. If anybody has any sort of information on this film, or has any idea how I can get hold of a copy, I would very much appreciate it. I now find myself waffling. I have said all I have to say, but for some dumb reason I am not allowed to post a comment unless I write a minimum of ten lines. Therefore, although I have made a perfectly valid statement and request, I find I have to rant and rave just to be able to post it.

Personally I find this a bit crazy, but hey! I am so desperate for info on 'Accounts', starring Bob Smeaton and Michael McNally, I am prepared to do anything in the hope of getting a copy.

A well filmed realistic story, set in great countryside.

[AlastairLings · 10/10 · 18 April 2011]

I think that Accounts was the second film broadcast by Channel 4.

There's some wonderful humour in the film, E.G. when Andy proposes planting crops in the Burn Pasture, Donald suggests "Rice". The photography is fantastic, I was particularly impressed with the lambing scenes. There's some memorable dialog in the film, E.G. after Duff confronts Andy he says "My colts are bug..red, and your screw..g in the house".

Amazingly, in 2011, it still remains Scotlands only "gay" (male) film. Gay sex was partly decriminalised in 1980, so this film (1983) was very modern for its time. When James tells Donald that he "will not take a boy home with him", Donald says that he is "old enough to be shot to bits in Northern Ireland". Gay equality campaigners used this argument to eventually achieve an equal "age of consent" in 2000.

A truly inspirational film.

The plays script is available: Michael Wilcox, 1997. Plays 1. Methuen Drama. 265pp. (Includes Rents, Accounts, Lent, and Massage)

Deeply affecting film

[pbratulis · 10/10 · 10 March 2019]

I saw this film as a teenager and it affected me in so many positive ways. It was in the days of the conservative government that was slowly scapegoating gay men in particular - resulting in Section 28 some years later.

As a teenager with no access to social media - feeling alone and insecure - the films of Film 4 were a vital lifeline for me. Giving some sense of self and identity.

It would be great to see it again - however - I doubt this will happen given the searches and efforts made by the other reviewers.

Available at Amazon.com (Prime)

[antonio-meuci · 14 February 2017]

To those folks who don't want to wait for it to be on TV, just go to Amazon.com. The beginning of the movie accurately conveys the atmosphere of the countryside in Great Britain; somewhat damp, rural and gray. Lots of sheep. Yes, that's an over generalization, but not too off the mark. In some cases, it's hard to understand the accent and so it doesn't hurt to view some parts of the movie, again. I didn't have the time to watch the whole movie, yet. So, I will add to my review later on.

Amazon carries a whole series of movies of this time-period (1970's). For those Anglophiles, it's a great site to see both popular and not so well-known movies, like this one, at an affordable price.