Scotland At The Movies

16 June 2009, 10:56

Set in Glasgow, this 1979 fact-based crime thriller, which is directed by John Mackenzie, looks at the life of convicted murderer, Jimmy Boyle, and the time he spent in prison – often in solitary confinement. Due to be trasmitted on Monday, June 22 at 10.35pm.

What’s it all about?

A Sense of Freedom is a detailed look at the life of Jimmy Boyle, based on the book written by the man himself.

The movie looks back at Jimmy Boyle’s background, growing up in the Gorbals in the gang culture of the 1960s, and how he got caught up in a life of crime, which led to him becoming know as 'Scotland's Most Violent Man'.

Cast:

David Anderson: Tam
David Hayman: Jimmy Boyle
Bill Armour: Prison warder
Bill Barclay: Bill
Martin Black: Bobbie Dugan
Jim Boyce: Sgt. Bobbie
Monica Brady: Sheila

Trivia:

The timing of the story is important because in 1967 Jimmy Boyle was the first high profile figure to be convicted of murder after the death penalty was abolished. This film looks in-depth at how Scottish prisons had to suddenly find a new way of dealing with those who had been sentenced to life imprisonment – people with nothing to lose.

When’s it on?

A Sense of Freedom is on STV on Monday, June 22 at 10.35pm (time subject to change).
 

Last updated: 17 June 2009, 11:29