Written by acclaimed Liverpudlian playwright Willy Russell this compelling tale first broadcast on Channel 4 in 1983 tells the story of two Liverpool youths who run away to the hills and valleys of Wales to enjoy a peaceful life. They come from the Liverpool of 1983, a tough gritty, uncompromising city a long way from the magical days of The Beatles. For the teenagers, Billy (David Morrissey) and Icky (Spencer Leigh), things are getting a little too close for comfort. Brushes with the police, the spectre of unemployment and the attentions of rival gangs create an uneasy atmosphere. However the boys don't find the calm, idyllic life they imagine. They have people like Kidder to contend with - a strange man, a loner who could very well change their lives.
Sharply observed and written with both sympathy and a sense of humour, this critical and commercial success has never been released in any format and stars Morrissey in his first lead role.
The DVD has a running time of around 250 minutes and a price tag of £19.99.
| Episode | Synopsis | Original Tx. Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Two fifteen year old Liverpool truants rediscover school and pin their hopes on a trip to the school summer camp. Their hopes are dashed, but fate, broken probation and a small bingo win soon have Billy and Icky boarding a train and heading for unknown territory. | 7.8.83 |
| 2 | Their journey illustrates to Billy and Icky the difference between Liverpool and Wales, if only in the geographical sense. They find however that even in the expanse of the Welsh countryside, the territory cannot be theirs and they are still not wanted. | 14.8.83 |
| 3 | Billy and Icky find a suitable run down cottage which they can adopt as home but first they have to convince the owner that they are trustworthy. They are not helped by local youths who attempt to wreck the cottage, and the handy-work looks like their own. | 21.8.83 |
| 4 | Billy is coming to terms with the relaxed Welsh lifestyle. Icky is not too sure. Some of the Liverpool gang visit - showing how precarious the new lifestyle is. Billy has discovered romance. | 28.8.83 |
| 5 | Icky is more convinced that Billy is never going to return to Liverpool and decides to make the trip on his own. Billy prefers to remain with his new found romance but the idyllic summer seems to be over. | 4.9.83 |