Cast
View All
Judy Huxtable
as Sadie
Ester Anderson
as Melanie
Monika Ringwald
as Busbee
Kathy Simmonds
as Samson
James Villiers
as Twyning
Ricky Starr
as Ricki
John Ronane
as Kasher
Harry Baird
as Lilywhite
Michael Chow
as Denzil
Joan Bakewell
as Interviewer
William Dexter
as Quayle
Roy Davies
as Glubb
Danny Lynch
as March
Bruno Elrington
as Bruno
Steve Viedor
as Danny
Crew
Director
- Robert Freeman
Writer
- Donald Cammell
- David Cammell
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Touchables examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Robert Freeman brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1968, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Touchables took approximately 13 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 97 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 117 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 1646 individual shots.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The costume department created over 307 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1968, when this film was released:
- The space race between the USSR and USA was at its height.
- The Vietnam War was becoming increasingly controversial.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Touchables shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Abductors, which focuses more on action than character development, The Touchables offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon and Abducted: A Father's Love explore similar territory, The Touchables stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: November 16, 1968
- Runtime: 1h 37m
