A Shocking Accident Poster

A Shocking Accident 1982

★ 6.19 votes25 min📅 1982-10-01

Dive into the bittersweet world of *A Shocking Accident (1982)*, James Scott's Oscar-winning British short comedy that blends humor with poignant reflection.

Director: James Scott

Cast

Rupert Everett
Rupert Everett
Jerome Weathersby
Jenny Seagrove
Jenny Seagrove
Sally
Barbara Hicks
Barbara Hicks
Aunt Joyce
Benjamin Whitrow
Benjamin Whitrow
Headmaster
Tim Seely
Tim Seely
Stephen
Richenda Carey
Richenda Carey
Susan
Sophie Ward
Sophie Ward
Amanda
Sarah Elliott
Brenda
Daniel Chatto
Daniel Chatto
Paul

Frequently Asked Questions

What is A Shocking Accident (1982) about?

Based on Graham Greene's short story, the film follows a man haunted by his father's bizarre death—a pig falling from a balcony in Naples—until a woman helps him reframe the tragedy. It's a meditation on grief wrapped in dry British humor.

Who directed A Shocking Accident?

James Scott directed this Oscar-winning short, bringing a distinctive blend of comedy and pathos to Greene's source material.

Who stars in A Shocking Accident?

The film features Rupert Everett as the lead, joined by Jenny Seagrove, Barbara Hicks, Benjamin Whitrow, and Tim Seely.

Is A Shocking Accident (1982) worth watching?

While not commercially rated, this Oscar-winning short film is a standout for its clever storytelling and emotional depth, making it a must-watch for fans of Graham Greene and British comedy.

How long is A Shocking Accident?

The runtime is 25 minutes.

About A Shocking Accident (1982) — A Darkly Comic Short Film with Heart

Dive into the bittersweet world of *A Shocking Accident (1982)*, James Scott's Oscar-winning British short comedy that blends humor with poignant reflection. This 25-minute gem adapts Graham Greene's short story, following a young boy whose father meets an absurd yet tragic end in Naples—a pig plummeting from a collapsing balcony. The incident leaves an indelible mark on the boy's psyche, shaping his adulthood until fate introduces a woman who sees the story through his eyes. With its sharp wit and understated melancholy, the film explores themes of grief, memory, and unexpected connections, all wrapped in a tone that's as disarming as it is heartfelt.

Starring Rupert Everett in a breakout role alongside Jenny Seagrove, the cast brings depth and charm to this deceptively simple tale. The film's black-comedy undertones and Greene's signature narrative flair create a memorable viewing experience, earning it both an Academy Award and a BAFTA nomination. *A Shocking Accident (1982)* isn't just a story about loss—it's a celebration of how life's oddest moments can define us, told with a mix of levity and sincerity that lingers long after the credits roll.