This short film from the Children’s Film Foundation (CFF) revolves around young Keith Lawson (Peter Newby) – known as the ‘Deptford Dodger’ – who runs away from an Approved School to meet up with his father, Ted (Terence Morgan), who has told Keith in a letter that he is moving to Canada with his new wife Audrey (Liz Fraser), in the hope that he can persuade his dad to take him with him.
Arriving in South London and living rough in an abandoned basement in Deptford, he meets up with local boy Chris Barker (future Spandau Ballet guitarist Gary Kemp) and policeman’s daughter Beverley Dickie (Eileen Fletcher).
Chris helps track down Keith’s father – ultimately discovering that he is actually planning a bank heist.
Chris is kidnapped by fake policemen Robin Askwith (soon to become a top box-office draw in the UK with the Confessions films) and Alan Lake, then subsequently rescued by Keith and Beverley.
Mr Lawson is ultimately nicked with his gang, red-handed with the loot.
Keith is returned to the Approved School but shortly afterwards, Chris, Beverley and her Mum (Frances Cuka) and Dad (Godfrey James) arrive to collect him and take him home with them.
A quality supporting adult cast includes Terence Morgan, Roy Dotrice and Alfred Marks. The film had very high production values and was made entirely on location in Deptford.
Keith Lawson
Peter Newby Chris Barker
Gary Kemp Beverley Dickie
Eileen Fletcher Police Sergeant
Richard Coleman Police Constable Dickie
Godfrey James Audrey Lawson
Liz Fraser Ted Lawson
Terence Morgan Mrs Dickie
Frances Cuka Mr Grimes
Roy Dotrice Fake Police Constable
Robin Askwith Fake Police Sergeant Lorimer
Alan Lake Sid
Ben Howard Wykes
Johnny Shannon Milkman
Graham Stark Baker
David Lodge Butcher
Alfred Marks Fruit Vendor
Bernard Spear Workman
Roger Avon Mrs Barker
Joyce Windsor
Director
David Eady
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Arriving in South London and living rough in an abandoned basement in Deptford, he meets up with local boy Chris Barker (future Spandau Ballet guitarist Gary Kemp) and policeman’s daughter Beverley Dickie (Eileen Fletcher).
Mr Lawson is ultimately nicked with his gang, red-handed with the loot.
