"Got any books on hawks, missus?"

Looking out for the cast of Kes.

Writer Simon Golding is on the look out for everyone who had a hand in one of the most important projects in British movie history.

The aim? A book that examines the history and legacy of our favourite Yorkshire film.

The movie seemed such a small one at the time. A gritty little northern drama funded by an uncomprehending American movie studios. There was nothing remotely resembling Hollywood in this rough and ready portrait of life in 60s Barnsley. But this film touched hearts and moved everyone who saw it.

It also roped in many local people for bit parts, crowd scenes and minor supporting roles. Edward Sheerin School and St Helens County School were very much part of the scenery and anyone attending those schools in 68 would remember the experience well. Same goes for the folks of Hoyland Common, as the crew set up camp off Parkside Road, filming on Fitzwilliam Street and across the turnpike at the bell grounds of Tankersley Hall.

Was that you laughing at the comedian in Hoyland Belmont Club that day? Is that your grandad chatting with Billy and his hawk in Barnsley Town Center? Is that you freezing to death on that nasty football pitch waiting to be picked? Or is that your scrawny backside emerging from Brian Glover's cold shower? If you had any hand in the progress of this remarkable movie then novelist Simon Golding would love to hear from you.

His biographical novel Life After Kes has already gotten the support of Ken Loach (Director & Writer), Tony Garnett (Producer & Writer) and Barry Hines (Author of A Kestrel For A Knave and co-screenwriter) have all joined the project. John Cameron (Composer) is also on- board.

The latest news is that acclaimed British acting legend Colin Welland (who played English teacher Mr Farthing) is helping too.

Many of the main characters from the film including Dai Bradley, Freddie Fletcher, Lynne Perrie, Robert Naylor, and Joey Kaye are also joining in alongside many of the extras from the film. And you can join in.

Do you know any of the following people?

Bob Bowes (Mr Gryce, Headmaster)
Laurence Bould
Ted Carroll
Agnes Drumgoon
George Speed - Billy's Friend
Zoe Sutherland - Librarian
Eric Bolderson - Farmer
Joe Miller - Reg, Mother's Friend
Beryl Carroll
Trevor Hesketh - Mr Crossley
Stephen Crossland - Billy's Friend
Harry Markham - Newsagent
David Golver - Tibbutt
Frank Norton - Billy's Friend
Martin Harley - Billy's Friend
Leslie Stringer

Editors:
Roy Watts
Art Directors:
William McCrow
Costume Designers:
Daphne Dare
Production Managers:
David Griffith - production supervisor
Second Unit Directors or Assistant Directors
Keith Evans - assistant director
Sound Department
Gerry Humphreys - sound recordist
Tony Jackson - sound recordist
Peter Pierce - dubbing editor
Miscellaneous Crew
David Clarke - gaffer
Penny Eyles - continuity

You can email Simon by clicking here or you can call him on 01746-769440 or his secretary Gabrielle on 07980-392580.

American critic Howard Schumann summed it up: Kes is gritty, sad, funny, and very moving, a film that avoids maudlin sentimentality to tell a simple story with an authenticity you will long remember. Too right.

 

Guardian Anniversary piece on Kes, interviewing the main protagonists.