Second Best (1994)
- Starring:
- William Hurt, Chris Cleary Miles, (more)
- Director(s):
- Chris Menges
- Theatrical MPAA Rating:
- PG13
- Format(s):
Synopsis of Second Best
Actor William Hurt delivers one of his most acclaimed performances in this drama from Oscar-winning cinematographer-turned-director Chris Menges. Hurt stars as Graham Holt, a repressed Welsh postmaster who lives a reclusive bachelor's existence with his suicidal father (Alfred Lynch), who is in failing health and is still grieving from the recent death of Graham's mother. Knowing that he'll soon be alone, Graham applies to adopt a troubled ten-year-old boy, James (Chris Cleary Miles), whose own painful history mirrors Graham's. Throughout the long adoption process, supervised by wisecracking social worker Debbie (Jane Horrocks), Graham struggles to win James' affection and respect during weekend visits, while the boy dreams of reconciliation with his father, John (Keith Allen), who is currently serving prison time. Graham's father dies, drawing Graham and James closer, and Graham begins to feel like a real father to James. But when John is released, he appears in town with the shocking news that he is afflicted with AIDS -- and cannot care for his son. ~ Karl Williams, Rovi
Complete Cast of Second Best
- William Hurt - Graham Holt
- Keith Allen - John
- Jane Horrocks - Debbie
- John Hurt - Uncle Turpin
- Ross Edwards - Pimple
- Jodhi May - Alice
- James Warrior - Senior Social Worker
- Doris Hare - Mrs Hawkins
- Chris Cleary Miles - James
- Prunella Scales - Margery
- Alan Cumming - Bernard
- Peter Copley - Percy
- Shirley King - Enid
- Paul Wilson - Colin, age 20
- Alfred Lynch - Edward
- Director(s):
- Chris Menges
- Writer(s):
- David Cook
- Producer(s):
- Sarah Radclyffe
- Theatrical MPAA Rating:
- PG13
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