I notice that the early 1960s in Britain was a time for films that really pushed the boundaries of what was acceptable on screen while addressing the burning issues of society at the same time. I've previously watched THE BOYS which tackles the thorny topic of Teddy Boy violence as well as VICTIM exploring homosexuality in a what was then explicit way.
55 years after it was made, 'The Wind of Change' I found to be gripping throughout, not least by it's well handled direction and in particular by a riveting central performance by Johnny Briggs (best known for playing Mike Baldwin in 'Coronation Street' for many years). Not an actor known as a great thespian, nevertheless, here is Briggs in his younger days giving it his all.
Quite an eye opener for it's day, the racist tone is played full pelt by Johnnie Briggs and his seedy gang. After harassing a black man in their local café they decide to catch him and beat him up but he dies from his injuries, and to add to the plot he had been dating Briggs's sister and she is injured in the fracas.
