This film is part of Free
Exchange and Divide
Divorce 1980s-style is examined by this BFI film in which, tellingly, only the deserted wife is denied a voice.
Overview
A marital breakdown is brought to life through a mixture of dramatisation, monologue, montage and animation. Through the perspectives of the husband, the lawyer, the couple’s parents and their home help, a picture emerges of the transactional nature and economic fall-out of marriage, along with issues of class and gender politics affecting single mothers.
Margaret Dickinson’s film was brought to the screen thanks to funding from the BFI Production Board and she went on to pursue a long career in documentary film production. Co-writer David Lan became a successful playwright and theatre producer, and was artistic director of London’s Young Vic Theatre for 18 years.
Related
Ten Bob in Winter Ten Bob in Winter
Drama 1963 12 mins Location: Westminster
An early classic of Black British cinema about the intriguing social dynamics that arise as a ten shilling note is passed around the black community.
The London Story The London Story
Musical 1986 16 mins Location: Waterloo Sta
Sally Potter's lively dance film about spies and government intrigue.
Amelia and the Angel Amelia and the Angel
Amateur film 1958 26 mins Location: South Kensington
A young angel scours London for her wings in this tender short by the young Ken Russell.
The Watchers The Watchers
Drama 1969 26 mins Location: Todmorden
A Yorkshire teenager begins to see and hear strange things in this unsettling slice of 60s sci-fi.
The Late Show The Late Show
Documentary 1969 12 mins
The supreme intent and personal biography of a Black Panther contrasts with the alienating propaganda of late-night television.
Laura Mulvey in Conversation Laura Mulvey in Conversation
Inside Film 2025 76 mins
Laura Mulvey in conversation, following her BFI Fellowship Award.
George Clooney in Conversation George Clooney in Conversation
Inside Film 2025 74 mins
George Clooney visited BFI Southbank to look back on his life and career.
Chloé Zhao Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025 Chloé Zhao Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025
Inside Film 2025 65 mins
The Oscar®- winning director of Nomadland discusses her unique approach to filmmaking and the inspiration behind the adaptation of Hamnet.
Edgar Wright on The Running Man Edgar Wright on The Running Man
Inside Film 2025 28 mins
The director talks to Mark Kermode about putting Stephen King's dystopian life-or-death gameshow thriller through its paces.
Richard Linklater Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025 Richard Linklater Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025
Inside Film 2025 69 mins
Richard Linklater discusses his remarkable and wide-ranging body of work, including Blue Moon and Nouvelle Vague.
Daniel Day-Lewis Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025 Daniel Day-Lewis Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025
Inside Film 2025 73 mins
Daniel Day-Lewis, the ultimate actor’s actor discusses his career in conversation with Mark Kermode.