A Day Out Poster

A Day Out 1972

★ 4.85 votes49 min📅 1972-12-24

Stephen Frears' debut television drama, *A Day Out (1972)*, transports viewers to the sunlit lanes of Edwardian England through the lens of a Halifax cycling club's annual adventure.

Director: Stephen Frears

Cast

David Waller
Mr. Shuttleworth
James Cossins
James Cossins
Mr. Shorter
Philip Locke
Philip Locke
Gregory Wilkins
John Normington
John Normington
Arthur Ackroyd
Brian Glover
Brian Glover
Henry Boothroyd
Paul Shane
Paul Shane
Baldring
Dave Hill
Dave Hill
Eric Gibson
Don McKillop
Don McKillop
Mr. Tetley
Bernard Wrigley
Bernard Wrigley
Ernest Tetley
Paul Greenwood
Paul Greenwood
Edgar Appleton

Frequently Asked Questions

What is A Day Out (1972) about?

*A Day Out (1972)* follows a Halifax cycling club on their yearly expedition to the ruins of Fountains Abbey in 1911. The film blends gentle humor with social observation as the group navigates the countryside, reflecting on life, friendship, and the simple pleasures of an outing in Edwardian England.

Who directed A Day Out?

Director Stephen Frears helmed *A Day Out (1972)*, marking his early foray into television drama before his acclaimed feature film career.

Who stars in A Day Out?

The film features David Waller, James Cossins, Philip Locke, John Normington, and Brian Glover among its cast.

Is A Day Out (1972) worth watching?

Though unrated on IMDb, *A Day Out (1972)* is a charming slice-of-life drama that offers a nostalgic glimpse into early 20th-century Britain. Its gentle pacing, sharp dialogue, and authentic performances make it a rewarding watch for fans of period dramas and character-driven storytelling.

How long is A Day Out?

The runtime of *A Day Out (1972)* is 49 minutes.

About A Day Out (1972) — Stephen Frears' Edwardian cycling odyssey in Alan Bennett's debut TV play

Stephen Frears' debut television drama, *A Day Out (1972)*, transports viewers to the sunlit lanes of Edwardian England through the lens of a Halifax cycling club's annual adventure. Adapted from Alan Bennett's stage play, the film follows a group of working-class men as they pedal from their industrial Yorkshire hometown to the serene ruins of Fountains Abbey in 1911. The gentle rhythm of the journey unfolds against a backdrop of rolling hills and golden light, evoking nostalgia for a bygone era defined by camaraderie and quiet optimism. Bennett's witty script and Frears' tender direction infuse the outing with warmth and humanity, revealing the small joys and fleeting conversations that shape a day away from routine.

Capturing the spirit of early 20th-century British life, *A Day Out (1972)* blends social realism with gentle humor, portraying a moment frozen in time when adventure felt within reach for everyday people. The contrast between the cyclists' modest backgrounds and the grandeur of the abbey's Gothic arches underscores themes of aspiration and belonging, all while maintaining a light, episodic pace. With its authentic dialogue and understated performances, this half-hour gem offers a slice-of-life portrait that lingers long after the final frame.