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Rita, Sue and Bob Too (1987) | Movie Review | Just That Film Podcast | A British Cult Classic
Description
In this episode of Just That Film Podcast, we revisit Rita, Sue and Bob Too (1987), Alan Clarke’s controversial British comedy-drama that has become one of the UK’s most enduring cult films.
Based on Andrea Dunbar’s stage play, the film stars Siobhan Finneran, Michelle Holmes, George Costigan, Lesley Sharp, and Jane Hazlegrove. Set on a Bradford council estate, Rita, Sue and Bob Too mixes sharp humour with social realism, exploring class, relationships, family life, and the realities of working-class Britain in the 1980s.
We discuss Alan Clarke’s direction, the memorable performances, the film’s distinctive Yorkshire humour, its unforgettable dialogue, and why it continues to spark debate decades after its release. We also look at how the film differs from Andrea Dunbar’s original work and why it has remained a cult favourite despite its controversial subject matter.
Does Rita, Sue and Bob Too still work as a comedy, and why has it remained such an important part of British cinema?
🎬 Topics include:
• Alan Clarke’s direction
• Andrea Dunbar’s original play
• Siobhan Finneran and Michelle Holmes’ breakout performances
• George Costigan as Bob
• The film’s social commentary
• Yorkshire humour and memorable quotes
• How it differs from the stage play
• Why it remains a British cult classic
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