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Fame Is the Spur (1947, Michael Redgrave, Rosamund John)

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The corrupting influence of power is the overriding theme of politically motivated drama Fame is the Spur that could be taken as a screen biography of the first Labour Prime Minister, Ramsey MacDonald.

Adapted from Howard Spring’s novel, Fame Is the Spur is a narrative told in flashback of the life and political times of Hamer Radshaw (Michael Redgrave), a boy born into the slums of 1870s Manchester who learns to fight for the common good against the elitist enemy of Conservatism. Hamer’s grandfather repeatedly tells him of the people’s struggle at the battle of Peterloo, giving him a sword from the battle that symbolises the struggle of the common man.

Later, with his sword and his wife Ann (Rosamund John) at his side, Hamer is elected as a Labour MP, rousing striking miners against their greedy employers to stand up and be counted. But, as Hamer is embraced by the trappings and complications of top level politics, his passion for controversy declines, and when Ann becomes involved in the Suffragette movement, Hamer disapproves of her actions.

When the Labour government is elected in 1924, the corrupting influence of power becomes more pronounced as Hamer then refuses to help an old school mate and fellow socialist, Arnold (Hugh Burden), who is fighting for the cause of the Hunger Marchers. And when Hamer is finally rejected by the electorate, he takes the ultimate step to betray his roots by accepting a peerage; his grandfather’s sword rusting in its case just as Hamer’s revolutionary ideals have been blunted by the seducing arm of power.

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production details
UK / Two Cities / 116 minutes / 1947

Director: Roy Boulting
Writers: Nigel Balchin, from the novel by Howard Spring,

cast
Michael Redgrave as Hamer Radshaw
Rosamund John as Ann Radshaw
Carla Lehmann as Lady Lettice
Hugh Burden as Arnold Ryerson
Marjorie Fielding as Aunt Lizzie
Seymour Hicks as Old Buck
Tony Wager as The Boy Hamer
Brian Weske as The Boy Ryerson
Gerald Fox as The Boy Hannaway
Bernard Miles as Tom Hannaway

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Alastair James is the editor in chief for Memorable TV. He has been involved in media since his university days. Alastair is passionate about television, and some of his favourite shows include Line of Duty, Luther and Traitors. He is always on the lookout for hot new shows, and is always keen to share his knowledge with others.

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