Longford

Longford

Year: 2006

Runtime: 88 mins

Language: English

Director: Tom Hooper

DramaTV MovieCrimeIntense violence and sexual transgressionBrutal violent prison drama

A portrait of Lord Longford, the tire‑less British Labour peer who devoted his life to prison reform and the controversial cause of securing clemency for a convicted woman. His relentless crusade to win her release sparked fierce political debate, personal attacks and conflict, highlighting his commitment to compassion over public opinion.

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Timeline & Setting – Longford (2006)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Longford (2006). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1960s–1990s

Although the campaign begins in the late 1960s during Harold Wilson's era, the events unfold across the 1970s, 1980s and into the late 1990s. The Moors murders and Hindley's imprisonment frame the 1960s and beyond, with significant moments in the 1977 Brass Tacks debate, the 1986 parole process, and the late-1990s final visits.

Location

London, House of Lords, Holloway Prison, Downing Street

The narrative shifts across iconic British settings: the parliamentary corridors of the House of Lords in London, Downing Street where the Prime Minister's office features in policy debates, and the grim exterior of Holloway Prison where Hindley is held. The story also moves through television and radio studios as public debates unfold, reflecting a country captivated by the Hindley-Brady case. The film's London backdrop anchors Longford's campaign within the machinery of state and media.

🏛️ UK political setting ⛓️ Prison system 🎥 Media spotlight

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:30

Main Characters – Longford (2006)

Meet the key characters of Longford (2006), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Lord Longford (Jim Broadbent)

A devout, reform-minded peer who relentlessly campaigns for Hindley's parole, driven by a belief in redemption and the possibility of change. His faith-based conviction clashes with widespread public anger and political caution, testing his marriage and public image as the campaign becomes a national controversy. His persistence strains his relationships while he navigates the scrutiny of state, church and media.

⚖️ Justice 🧭 Moral Dilemma 🕊️ Redemption

Myra Hindley (Samantha Morton)

A prisoner who seeks books and contact with Brady, appearing capable of manipulation while maintaining a restrained, enigmatic demeanor. The film questions whether she is truly reformed or merely acting to secure parole, highlighting the ambiguity of rehabilitation. Her interactions with Longford reveal a complex interplay between guilt, self-preservation, and faith.

🧭 Redemption ⚖️ Justice 💬 Manipulation

Ian Brady (Andy Serkis)

The Moors murderer whose correspondence with Hindley and insistence on his own culpability frame the moral debate. He argues that Hindley remains dangerous, complicating Longford's belief in rehabilitation and exposing the coercive dynamics of criminal partnerships. His presence in the story underscores the persistence of danger and the limits of forgiveness.

🧠 Violence 💬 Manipulation ⚖️ Justice

Harold Wilson (Robert Pugh)

Prime Minister during the late 1960s who represents the political backdrop against which Longford's campaign unfolds. His era marks the evolving balance between social reform and public protection in Britain.

🏛️ Politics 🗣️ Policy

Lady Elizabeth Longford (Lindsay Duncan)

Longford's wife, whose support wavers under media scrutiny and family concern. She embodies the personal cost of public conviction and the clash between private faith and public duty.

👫 Family 🧭 Moral Dilemma

Roy Whitelaw (Anton Rodgers)

Home Secretary during the campaign era, representing political resistance and the state’s caution in parole decisions. His responses mirror the tension between justice, public safety, and reform.

🏛️ Politics 🗣️ Debate

Talk Show Host (Lee Boardman)

The radio host who hosts the 1987 call-in program, signaling the era’s media dynamism and how public voices shape policy and perception of the Hindley-Brady case. He guides the audience into a charged dialogue that tests Longford's resolve.

🎙️ Media 🗣️ Debate

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:30

Major Themes – Longford (2006)

Explore the central themes of Longford (2006), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚖️ Justice vs Mercy

The film probes whether Hindley deserves parole or rehabilitation, testing the boundary between punishment and redemption. Longford's faith-based conviction clashes with widespread public anger and political caution. The tension questions if mercy can coexist with irreversible harm.

🧭 Moral Dilemma

Longford's belief in the possibility of reform challenges the perceived inevitability of guilt. The narrative pits duty to victims against the possibility of personal growth in a reformed prisoner. Media scrutiny further complicates private moral choices.

🗞️ Media & Public Opinion

Tabloid sensationalism and public outcry shape the campaign and political response. The radio/TV discussions showcase how media framing can influence justice debates. The film lays bare how truth and sensationalism mingle in high-profile cases.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:30

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Longford Summary

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Longford Summary

Longford Timeline

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Longford Timeline

Longford Spoiler-Free Summary

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Longford Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Longford

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