THE BRAVE DON'T CRY is an early disaster movie based on a true story about a mining accident in Scotland and the havoc it wreaks on a small village community. The story has much in similar to the recent plight of the Chilean miners who found themselves trapped underground for 10 days after a cave in and the stakes are similarly perilous in this film.
The movie is very much a product of its era, with a cosy, parochial feel to many of the village scenes and a fighting spirit that sees characters refuse to lose their tough Scots bravado in the face of overwhelming odds. As such it's a rather moving film, with strong acting and compelling direction to recommend it.
John Gregson is an obvious choice for the stalwart lead, playing the chief rescuer, but the real star of the film is John Rae playing the tough-yet-tender foreman. Film fans will be interested in the presence of two later stars, Fulton Mackay (PORRIDGE) and Andrew Keir (QUATERMASS AND THE PIT), although both are virtually unrecognisable at this stage of their career. There are also cameos for Russell Hunter and Sam Kydd.
