Richard Harris gives a strong performance portraying “Frank,” a young rugby league player in northern England poised for a significant opportunity. A substantial sum of £1,000 is presented, which promises to alter his circumstances and potentially those of his landlady, "Mrs. Hammond," played by Rachel Roberts. She’s a reserved widow who avoids attention, yet he finds himself drawn to her, despite her somber demeanor—initially in a physical sense, but also because he hopes she'll rediscover joy. As his career advances, bringing money, recognition, and success, he experiences an underlying feeling of dissatisfaction as he searches for something more meaningful; this pursuit ultimately leads him down a path of excessive drinking. His employer, "Weaver," portrayed by Alan Badel, is focused solely on outcomes and profits, showing no concern for the man himself. Weaver’s wife, Vanda Godsell, also seems open to some excitement with their newest rising star. The source of the widow's unhappiness remains shrouded in speculation—rumors suggest her husband’s death was either an accident or something else entirely—and these stories seem set to define her existence, unless she and Frank can somehow interrupt this pattern of sadness and find contentment. The film contains moments of violence, both emotionally and physically, highlighting the attitudes that permit what is considered a tolerable level of domestic abuse as feelings of love, desire, and anger compete for dominance over this inexperienced young man; however, there are also glimpses of kindness and even consideration present within the narrative. William Hartnell provides a touching portrayal of his well-intentioned but ultimately powerless father, while Colin Blakely performs admirably as his friend "Maurice," who acts as a contrasting figure to Frank’s volatile nature throughout the story's progression. While it functions as a social observation, its focus isn't on society in general but rather on the grasping and unfulfilled aspects of human existence—the frustrations and disappointments—and Harris conveys this feeling with considerable impact.

Source on TMDB