T. Dan Smith: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Utopia (1987)
1h 25m
Running Time
January 1, 1987Release Date
T. Dan Smith: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Utopia (1987)
1h 25m
Running Time
January 1, 1987Release Date
Network & Production Companies

Plot.
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…
Where to Watch.
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Cast & Crew.

T. Dan Smith
Self

Dennis Skinner
Self

Murray Martin
Self

Arthur Davies
Alan Deal

Jack Johnson
Self

Ken Skethaway
Self

Dave Hill
Jack Cross

Steve Trafford
Steve

Art Davies
Councillor Alan Deal

Christopher Northey
Jeremy Maudsley-Long

Steve Trafford
Steve / Producer

Martin Murray
Murray / Producer

Ralph Nossek
Home Secretary

Harry Herring
Councillor Albert

Cilla Mason
Councillor Edith

Elizabeth Mansfield
Newscaster

Amber Styles
Cleaner

Kay Wight
Alan Deal's Wife

Ray Stubbs
Resident and Paper Seller / Producer / Original Music Composer

Peter Roberts
Producer

Jane Neatrour
Producer

Lorna Powell
Producer

Sirkka-Liisa Konttinen
Producer

Dave Eadington
Producer

Richard Grassick
Producer

Judith Tomlinson
Producer

Elaine Drainville
Producer

Ellin Hare
Producer

Dick McCullough

Joseph Neatrour

Lee Ross
