The Children's Film Foundation Collection: Runaways

Johnny on the Run | Hide and Seek | Terry on the Fence

Three films about teens and tearaways. Starring Robin Askwith, Terence Morgan and Gary Kemp, and directed by such celebrated filmmakers as Lewis Gilbert (The Spy Who Loved Me, Moonraker)

For over 30 years the Children's Film Foundation produced quality entertainment for young audiences, employing the cream of British filmmaking talent. Newly transferred from the best available elements held in the BFI National Archive, these much-loved and fondly remembered films finally return to the screen - after many years out of distribution - in this specially curated DVD release from the BFI.

Johnny on the Run(1953, dir. Lewis Gilbert) is a superb early work by illustrious British director Lewis Gilbert which follows a orphaned Polish refugee who runs into trouble in the shape of two scheming thieves. Starring popular character actor Sydney Tafler (Carve Her Name with Pride, The Spy who Loved Me) and John Laurie (The 39 Steps, Dad's Army).

Hide and Seek (1972, dir. David Eady) stars a teenage Gary Kemp (The Krays) as do-gooder Chris, who becomes entangled with a borstal escapee known locally as the Deptford Dodger. Starring Roy Dotrice (Clochemerle, Game of Thrones) and Robin Askwith (Britannia Hospital, the Confessions series) in supporting roles, this is amongst the best of the CFF's 1970 output.

Terry on the Fence (1985, dir. Frank Godwin) was British film industry stalwart Frank Godwin's (Producer, Woman in a Dressing Gown) last ever film. When 11 year-old Terry runs away from home he only intends to put the wind up his parents. But a gang of older bullies, led by the tough Les, soon draw him into their daunting criminal world of break-ins and stolen goods.