Terry on the Fence

Though distinctly tame and old-fashioned compared with, say, Grange Hill, this low-budget Children's Film Foundation feature does succeed in its stated intention of 'getting away from the black and white of goodies and baddies'. Innocent victim Terry is forced by skinhead Les and his gang to join them in a raid on his own school, from which they steal a cassette radio each. When the police arrive at his school the next day, Terry confesses, but insists that he was coerced. However, crucial evidence given by the caretaker tends to undermine Terry's position, as does his continuing refusal to implicate Les. In addition to the relationship between victimiser and victim, the film's clear narrative delves into the fuzzy area between right and wrong.