Details

Release year: 1963

Storyline

A lazy, irresponsible young clerk in provincial Northern England lives in his own fantasy world and makes emotionally immature decisions as he alienates friends and family.

Top credits

Directors

John Schlesinger

Writers

Cast

Tom Courtenay — Billy Fisher
Julie Christie — Liz
Wilfred Pickles — Geoffrey Fisher
Mona Washbourne — Alice Fisher

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Awards

0 wins & 6 nominations

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Did you know

• This movie made a star of Julie Christie, even though she's only in it for a total of twelve minutes.

• The audience's first introduction to the character of Liz was shot on the street, verite style. More often than not, the turned heads of the passersby are genuine, as director John Schlesinger filmed their reactions to Julie Christie.

• Director John Schlesinger chose Sir Tom Courtenay over Albert Finney, who had originated the part of Billy Liar on-stage, mainly because Courtenay was a less physically imposing figure than Finney, and therefore more believable as a dreamer.