Background
“When a marriage breaks down, what happens to the children?”
Synopsis
Two years of deterioration sees John and Barbara Lomax's marriage reduced to bitter sniping and "keeping up appearances" for the sake of the children. When John's old friend Bill professes his love for Barbara, the marriage finally breaks up – causing their three children to react in different ways and their son secretly determined to do Bill harm.
Top Cast
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Valerie Hobson
Barbie Lomax
Philip Friend
John Lomax
Norman Wooland
Bill Ogden
Janette Scott
Jess Lomax
Mandy Miller
Linda Lomax
Jeremy Spenser
Adrian Lomax
Lily Kann
Brownie
Helen Shingler
Mary Wallace
Thora Hird
Mrs. Humphries
Louise Hampton
Miss Russell
Jack Melford
Mackay
Richard Wattis
David Wallace
Joss Ambler
Judge
Paul Harding
Arthur Meade
Lloyd Lamble
Defence Counsel
Barbara Hicks
Mrs. Young
Ernest Butcher
Clerk
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Daniel Birt
- Screenplay & Story
- Warren Chetham-Strode
- Original Title
- Background
- Country of Origin
- United Kingdom
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 20m
- Production Studios
- Group 3 Productions
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Daniel Birt
Warren Chetham-Strode
Arthur Grant
John Trumper
Herbert Mason
Department Leadership Roster
Warren Chetham-Strode
Screenplay
Herbert Mason
Producer
Daniel Birt
Director
John Trumper
Editor
Arthur Grant
Director of Photography
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
International Certification Matrix
Parental Guidance — Unlikely to upset children 8 and older.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Background.
Featured In Curated Collections
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Frequently Asked Questions About Background
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Background about?
Two years of deterioration sees John and Barbara Lomax's marriage reduced to bitter sniping and "keeping up appearances" for the sake of the children. When John's old friend Bill professes his love for Barbara, the marriage finally breaks up – causing their three children to react in different ways and their son secretly determined to do Bill harm.
Who directed Background?
Background was directed by Daniel Birt.
Who stars in Background?
The principal cast of Background includes Valerie Hobson, Philip Friend, Norman Wooland, Janette Scott, Mandy Miller.
When was Background released and how long is it?
Background was released in 1953 with a total runtime of 1h 20m.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Background?
Background holds official age classifications: GB: PG (Parental Guidance — Unlikely to upset children 8 and older.).