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Drama Cult Classic

A rock lyricist’s forbidden romance collides with the harsh realities of age and law in Pete Walker’s provocative drama.

HOME BEFORE MIDNIGHT

1979 · 1h 51m · NR · Drama · IMDB TMDB

A successful rock lyricist becomes romantically involved with a girl he picks up hitchhiking only to learn that she is only fourteen. Her parents take action against him.

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Quick Answer

What is Home Before Midnight about?

Home Before Midnight is a 1979 United Kingdom drama film directed by Pete Walker about a successful rock lyricist who becomes romantically involved with a fourteen-year-old girl, leading to scandal and legal repercussions.

Programmer's Pick

Pete Walker ditches the blood but keeps the controversy, trading in his horror credentials for a drama that pushes all the wrong buttons. With its mix of exploitation elements and uncomfortable social realism, Home Before Midnight is as much a time capsule of 1970s anxieties as it is a cautionary tale.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

Home Before Midnight takes cult British director Pete Walker out of his horror comfort zone and into the realm of controversial drama. The film follows a successful rock lyricist whose life spins out of control after he picks up a hitchhiking girl and falls for her, only to discover she is just fourteen. The ensuing relationship triggers outrage from her parents and sets off a scandal that explores the boundaries of consent, legality, and sexual attraction. Known for its exploitation roots, the film is notable for its candid portrayal of nudity and its willingness to tackle taboo subjects head-on. It's a kitchen-sink drama with an edge, pushing boundaries while keeping its feet planted in the everyday world.

Details & Specs

Director
Pete Walker
Writers
Murray Smith, Pete Walker
Release
1979
Runtime
1h 51m
Country
United Kingdom
Language
English
Genres
Drama

Why This Matters

Directed and produced by Pete Walker, a notable figure in British exploitation cinema, this 1979 film exemplifies the sexploitation drama genre in late 1970s UK filmmaking.
— SassyFlix Curator

Cast & Crew

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Director: Pete Walker Writers: Murray Smith +1 more
James Aubrey James Aubrey Mike Beresford Alison Elliot Alison Elliot Ginny Wilshire Mark Burns Mark Burns Harry Wilshire Debbie Linden Debbie Linden Carol AF Andy Forray Vince Owen Chris Jagger Chris Jagger Nick Sharon Maughan Sharon Maughan Helen Owen (as Sharon Mughan) Ivor Roberts Ivor Roberts Inspector Gray AP Antonia Pemberton W.P.C. Wilding Faith Kent Faith Kent Miss Heatherton JH John Hewer Donelly Patrick Barr Patrick Barr The Judge Charles Collingwood Charles Collingwood Burlingham Jeff Rawle Jeff Rawle Johnny McGee Edward de Souza Edward de Souza Mr. Archer Richard Todd Richard Todd Geoffrey Steele Juliet Harmer Juliet Harmer Susan Wilshire JP James Payne Taxi Driver at Police Court (uncredited) NR Nigel Rathbone Andrew Lomax

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Why Cult

Controversial Age Dilemma

The film boldly centers on a romance complicated by the revelation of the girl's age, provoking questions about consent and legality.

Kitchen-Sink Exploitation

Pete Walker blends British kitchen-sink drama with his trademark exploitation flair, creating a unique tonal hybrid.

Nudity and Eroticism

Packed with nudity and frank sexual content, the film doesn’t shy away from its exploitation roots.

Cult British Director

Directed by Pete Walker, best known for his grisly horror films, this is a rare dramatic detour in his filmography.

Scene Gallery

Questions from the Vault

Who directed Home Before Midnight? +

Home Before Midnight was directed by Pete Walker.

How long is Home Before Midnight? +

Home Before Midnight has a runtime of 111 minutes.

What genre is Home Before Midnight? +

Home Before Midnight is a drama.

When was Home Before Midnight released? +

Home Before Midnight was released in 1979.

Trailers & Clips

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