If you're of a certain age you'll remember this documentary - it was the first time Tourette's Syndrome hit public awareness. Unfortunately it launched a 'Joey Deacon' effect at the time - I wonder if that would happen now? Anyway, he went on to become an advocate for the condition and this new biopic is his story. Looks interesting:
Wow! That looks really good. Almost in tears just watching the trailer, so probably take a pack of tissues. Thanks for posting.
Spunk For Milk......that needs to go on a t-shirt......😁🤐
There was a further documentary made about him in later life where he was working at a Youth Club, contains a memorable moment where he tells one of the kids not to f*****g swear. He came across as the loveliest bloke, full of humour despite the rough ride he'd had through life.
Read a great article in Empire about the film - he went to the preview showing in a bit of a bad way, but didn't want to miss it. Had a heart attack immediately after the showing! He recovered, fortunately, but I think it hit him rather hard emotionally.
Saw the trailer at the cinema a few weeks back and it looks a great film
I very much remember ’John’s not mad’ from when it aired, and the effect it had. I and no one i knew had ever heard of tourette’s syndrome and then suddenly everyone seemed to have.
I went to see I-Swear at the cinema the other night mainly because my daughter is in it (proud Dad moment!) and found it very moving. I thought it was brilliant and would highly recommend it.
I was only talking about the original documentary to my lad earlier this week and contrasting how Tourette’s had simply not existed in the public mind until that programme. Definitely a seminal moment in British TV history.
We had ‘a laugh’ then just chatted about how hard it still must be for many kids growing up.
John is a lovely guy. He’s worked in the same community centre for all of his working life and it’s totally safe space because everyone knows him, he’s just John. I’ve had many cups of tea with him over the years, fortunately with proper milk.
A great film about a great guy! The world needs more people like him.
Saw it last night, really enjoyed it. Very moving, and very funny in equal measure. Gets the balance exactly right.
He was the inspiration for "Rude Kid" in Viz comic.
Amazing film. Gets the balance exactly right between comedy, success and the challenges and prejudice caused by society and Tourettes.
Oh my, it's no wonder John had a heart attack after the preview showing of that film. I was a wreck the whole way through that, so what it must've done to him, reliving it all... I'm just glad I didn't go to the cinema, that would've been bloody embarrassing.
Superb film, amazing acting.
Yes, up on streaming sites for not much. Also spotted this in a bookshop today which could be worth a punt:
https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/471947/i-swear-by-davidson-john/9781804997703