The Raging Moon

The Raging Moon

Company type	Film
Industry	Film industry
Founded	1971
Headquarters	United Kingdom
Products	Romantic drama film

The Raging Moon—known in the United States as Long Ago, Tomorrow, is a 1971 British romantic drama feature starring Malcolm McDowell alongside Nanette Newman. The film is an adaptation of a novel by British writer Peter Marshall. Directed and adapted by Bryan Forbes, who was married to Newman, the movie stood out for its rare depiction of a romantic relationship between individuals with disabilities during that era. It earned two Golden Globe nominations: Best Foreign Film (English Language) and Best Song for "Long Ago Tomorrow".

Plot

Bruce Pritchard, a 24-year-old man from a working-class background and an amateur football player, is diagnosed with a progressive degenerative disease that confines him to a wheelchair. Feeling deserted by his family, he moves into a church-operated residence for disabled people. His growing resentment and defiance toward the facility’s regulations only deepen his sense of alienation.

Within the home, Bruce encounters Jill Matthews, a 31-year-old wheelchair user from an affluent family who became disabled due to polio. Bruce develops romantic feelings for Jill; however, she initially departs to wed her fiancé Geoffrey. When Jill discovers Geoffrey's lack of genuine commitment, she returns to the institution.

Over time, Jill manages to penetrate Bruce’s defensive cynicism, inspiring a more hopeful perspective in him. Their affection blossoms into love, leading to their engagement. Although Jill later succumbs to a viral illness, Bruce draws renewed resilience from their bond, empowering him to confront life’s obstacles.

Cast

• Malcolm McDowell as Bruce Pritchard
• Nanette Newman as Jill Matthews
• Georgia Brown as Sarah Charles
• Barry Jackson as Bill Charles
• Gerald Sim as Reverend Carbett
• Michael Flanders as Clarence Marlow
• Margery Mason as Matron
• Geoffrey Whitehead as Harold Pritchard
• Chris Chittell as Terry
• Jack Woolgar as Bruce's Father
• Patsy Smart as Bruce's Mother
• Norman Bird as Dr. Matthews
• Constance Chapman as Mrs. Matthews
• Michael Lees as Geoffrey
• Bernard Lee as Uncle Bob
• Geoffrey Bayldon as Mr. Latbury
• Theresa Watson as Gladys
• Petra Markham as Mary
• Paul Darrow as Doctor

Original novel

The source material for the film is a 1964 novel authored by Peter Marshall, who was diagnosed with polio at eighteen and subsequently used a wheelchair until his passing in 1972. The book was highly regarded for its insightful and emotionally rich narrative. In 1965, director Robert Butler secured the rights to adapt this novel along with another of Marshall’s works, Two Lives.

1967 TV adaptation

In 1967, the BBC transformed the novel into a television production within the Boy Meets Girl anthology series, featuring performances by Ray Brooks and Anna Calder-Marshall. This adaptation received commendations for its authentic and unvarnished depiction.

Development

Following his success with Otley (1969), producer Bruce Curtis—nephew of Harry Cohn—obtained the film rights. After Columbia Pictures declined to finance the project, Shelagh Delaney penned the screenplay. Curtis then presented the project to Bryan Forbes, newly appointed head of EMI Films, who agreed not only to direct but also write and personally approve the film’s production.

Although Forbes faced criticism for directing while simultaneously managing studio operations, he defended this choice as necessary to keep the studio active during slower periods and prevent staff layoffs; notably, he declined any director’s fee. Reflecting later, Forbes emphasized that maintaining studio activity was his chief objective. Industry observers regarded his dual role as particularly challenging given the responsibilities involved in both positions.

Casting

Malcolm McDowell and his wife, Nanette Newman, were chosen by Forbes for the principal roles. He held a deep conviction about the film's theme and recognized McDowell’s star potential based on his earlier performances in if... and A Clockwork Orange. Newman was selected because Forbes felt she was perfectly suited for the role, and partly to make up for her involvement in the cancelled project A Fine and Private Place. The casting process necessitated aging the characters beyond their original script ages.

To prepare, both actors conducted research at Stoke Mandeville Hospital. Newman later reflected on her part as "the best role I've ever undertaken."

Filming

Production commenced at Elstree Studios in February 1970. Forbes sought to portray disabled individuals without condescension, avoid sentimentalizing the romantic plot, and capture the authentic humor found among paraplegics.

Tony Imi was brought on as cinematographer due to his previous work on Cathy Comes Home. Forbes prioritized achieving "complete realism" rather than polished visuals.

In March, screenwriter Delaney departed following disagreements over script revisions and requested her name be removed from the credits. Forbes expressed regret over this but emphasized there were no personal grievances, noting that script alterations are a typical part of filmmaking.

Newman recalled that the production operated on a tight budget, with everyone accepting pay cuts. The absence of costumes or elaborate sets fostered a cooperative atmosphere and reinforced a shared dedication to producing an excellent film.

Post-Production

Forbes approached Paul McCartney to compose a melancholic song for the closing credits. McCartney began writing "So Sad," which evolved into "Another Day". However, after a test screening on July 22, 1970, McCartney felt the song did not fit and it was ultimately excluded from the film.

The finished movie was presented to EMI executives in October 1970, who initially resisted releasing it. Following a second screening with an invited audience that generated favorable feedback, Forbes secured company approval. Alexander Walker described the reception as "overwhelmingly positive," albeit with some reserved praise.

UK release

The film debuted in January 1971 to mixed critical responses: The Observer described it as "a pleasant surprise," whereas The Guardian criticized it for only "scratching the surface." Limited distribution hindered its box office success in the UK.

At that time, Forbes was reportedly preparing to direct an adaptation of H.E. Bates' The Triple Echo, featuring Vanessa Redgrave, Jenny Agutter, and Peter McEnery, with filming scheduled for March. Nevertheless, Forbes stepped down as head of EMI Films in March 1971 despite his contract extending until April 1972. Subsequently, he and Newman traveled to America to promote the film.

US Release

In May, Don Rugoff purchased US distribution rights for £41,500 upfront. Rugoff invested significantly in marketing efforts and commissioned Burt Bacharach to create a new theme song, which led to changing the film’s title. The American cut also reduced the wedding scene by two minutes.

Reception

Critical response in the United States was favorable; the San Francisco Examiner described it as "very beautiful and moving," while the Los Angeles Times commended its polished narrative style. However, Filmink observed that despite commendable performances, the leads appeared older than their characters’ youthful backgrounds suggested and proposed that introducing a third lead along with younger actors might have enhanced its commercial appeal.

Legacy

Gary Oldman, an Academy Award recipient, has acknowledged the film—especially McDowell's portrayal—as a significant inspiration behind his choice to enter the acting profession.

External links

• The Raging Moon at BFI
• Film review featured in Variety
• 1967 television adaptation available at BBC
• "Film: A Real Love Story" article by A. H. Weiler, published in The New York Times on 30 September 1971
• Critique by Ian White in Starburst, dated 23 November 2015