When I'm Sixty-Four (2004) (TV)

Director:

Jon Jones

Writer:

Tony Grounds (writer)

Release Date:

4 August 2004 (UK)

Genre:

Drama

Plot:

One-off drama about the friendship that grows between two men from very different backgrounds, whose paths cross for the first time as they approach retirement age. |

Plot Keywords:

Taxi Driver | Hooliganism | Teacher | Gay Interest | Retiree

Awards:

3 wins

Cast

Paul Freeman	...	Ray
Alun Armstrong	...	Jim
Peter McNamara	...	Aitch
Anton Saunders	...	Rollo
Karl Johnson	...	Billy
Cordelia Bugeja	...	Pool Attendant
Linda Spurrier	...	Matron
Pip Torrens	...	Headmaster
Tamzin Outhwaite	...	Caz
Shahnequa Duprey	...	Kelly
Joe Dixon	...	Lynval
Jason Flemyng	...	Little Ray
Oscar Grounds	...	Adam
Tamsin Greig	...	Denny
Fritha Goodey	...	Receptionist

Also Known As:

When I'm 64 (International: English title) (UK) (alternative spelling)
When I'm Sixty-Four (USA)

Runtime:

90 min

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Colour:

Colour

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Company:

BBC Drama Group

Trivia:

This drama is part of BBC2's "Time of Your Life" season.

Once more round the block, mate!

The introduction and initial development of the two main characters is very well done.

We first see Ray with his mates at the local pub when they all rush out in order to rumble with a visiting rival soccer club's fans. Although Ray and one of his older friends are winded even getting to the fight, they manage to pummel well enough and add one more row to reminisce about from their good old days of brawling. We find that Ray owns and drives a cab, is widowed, has two grown children and keeps his old home. Despite being widowed for 8 years he can't bear to change anything that relates to his departed wife.

We next see Jim at the school he attended as a boy and from where he is now retiring as a master. The story of "Beaky" (so nicknamed because of his prominent nose) unrolls as the cab called to take him to the airport (driven by Ray) is instead directed to a clinic where the nose is made less prominent. Jim's forgotten safari jacket and personal notebook left in the car provide the start of the relationship as Ray returns the items and is also where we find that Jim wants to: 1. fall in love, and 2. see the world.

The relationship and the story develop so very well, so comfortably, so believably, so tastefully. The acting here is superb and the screenplay solid. Supporting characters are realistic, consistent and help move the solid plot along. Motivations are shown, difficulties are encountered, decisions are made.

An elegant and lovely story of two older men finding new lives for themselves make this a rare movie and a highly enjoyable one.