T. Dan Smith: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Utopia
“A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Utopia.”
Synopsis
An experimental mix of thriller and documentary exploring the scandal centred on the one-time Newcastle Council Leader, aka The Mouth of the Tyne, who was sentenced to six years imprisonment in 1974 for corruption. A dynamic and visionary politician, Smith collaborated closely as Amber unpicked the story of a leftwing group of ex-war resisters who took control of the city council in 1960, the socialist and civic ambitions and the betrayals; the claims of MI5 involvement, of ministerial cover-ups and the unseen role of the Privy Council. With Smith appearing as himself and filmmakers Murray Martin and Steve Trafford as two journalists, the film interrogates the interviews and archive footage, weaving them together with a fictional scandal unfolding on the streets around them…
Top Cast
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T. Dan Smith
Self
Dennis Skinner
Self
Murray Martin
Self
Jack Johnson
Self
Ken Skethaway
Self
Dave Hill
Jack Cross
Art Davies
Councillor Alan Deal
Christopher Northey
Jeremy Maudsley-Long
Steve Trafford
Steve
Martin Murray
Murray
Ralph Nossek
Home Secretary
Harry Herring
Councillor Albert
Cilla Mason
Councillor Edith
Elizabeth Mansfield
Newscaster
Amber Styles
Cleaner
Kay Wight
Alan Deal's Wife
Norma Day
Gwen Doran
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- —
- Original Score
- Ray Stubbs
- Original Title
- T. Dan Smith: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Utopia
- Country of Origin
- United Kingdom
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 25m
- Production Studios
- Amber Films
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Ray Stubbs
Elaine Drainville, Dave Eadington, Richard Grassick, Ellin Hare, Sirkka-Liisa Konttinen
Department Leadership Roster
Elaine Drainville
Producer
Dave Eadington
Producer
Richard Grassick
Producer
Ellin Hare
Producer
Sirkka-Liisa Konttinen
Producer
Martin Murray
Producer
Jane Neatrour
Producer
Lorna Powell
Producer
Peter Roberts
Producer
Judith Tomlinson
Producer
Steve Trafford
Producer
Ray Stubbs
Producer
Ray Stubbs
Original Music Composer
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for T. Dan Smith: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Utopia.
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Frequently Asked Questions About T. Dan Smith: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Utopia
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is T. Dan Smith: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Utopia about?
An experimental mix of thriller and documentary exploring the scandal centred on the one-time Newcastle Council Leader, aka The Mouth of the Tyne, who was sentenced to six years imprisonment in 1974 for corruption. A dynamic and visionary politician, Smith collaborated closely as Amber unpicked the story of a leftwing group of ex-war resisters who took control of the city council in 1960, the socialist and civic ambitions and the betrayals; the claims of MI5 involvement, of ministerial cover-ups and the unseen role of the Privy Council. With Smith appearing as himself and filmmakers Murray Martin and Steve Trafford as two journalists, the film interrogates the interviews and archive footage, weaving them together with a fictional scandal unfolding on the streets around them…
Who directed T. Dan Smith: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Utopia?
T. Dan Smith: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Utopia was directed by Not specified.
Who stars in T. Dan Smith: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Utopia?
The principal cast of T. Dan Smith: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Utopia includes T. Dan Smith, Dennis Skinner, Murray Martin, Jack Johnson, Ken Skethaway.
When was T. Dan Smith: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Utopia released and how long is it?
T. Dan Smith: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Utopia was released in 1987 with a total runtime of 1h 25m.
Who composed the musical score for T. Dan Smith: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Utopia?
The original motion picture soundtrack for T. Dan Smith: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Utopia was composed by Ray Stubbs.