When honest young Tolly (Stephen Hirst) is forced on the run with ‘Black Jack’ (Jean Franval), a villainous ruffian, adventure and mishap are never far away. As the two enter a world of body-snatchers, private lunatic asylums and traveling fairs they find friendship in the most unlikely places. Based on Leon Garfield’s popular novel, Ken Loach’s Black Jack is a dark and complex adventure film set in the 18th Century. With Chris Menges’s beautiful 16mm photography (interiors were shot in 35mm), enchanting performances by its charismatic young cast and Loach’s gentle, observational style — seen in his earlier feature Kes (1969).