John Diamond (1981)
A young runaway braves the shadowy back streets of London in search of a mysterious man who holds the key to his past.
John Diamond - Movie Information
John Diamond - Plot
William Jones runs away from home, haunted by the memory of his father. To lay this ghost, he must search the back streets of London for a man called Diamond.
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John Diamond - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Eric Davidson
Main Cast
- Tom Hollander
- Christopher Guard
- Robert James
- Eileen Page
- Charles Lewsen
- Vanessa Paine
- Damien Nash
- David Rappaport
- Patrick Troughton
- Joseph O'Conor
Writers
- James Andrew Hall
Producers
- Paul Stone
John Diamond - FAQs
What is John Diamond (1981) about?
John Diamond follows William Jones, a boy who runs away from home while haunted by memories of his father. To find peace, he ventures into the back streets of London searching for a mysterious figure named Diamond. It's a coming-of-age thriller blending family drama with a gritty urban adventure.
Is John Diamond based on a book or true story?
John Diamond is adapted from Leon Garfield's 1980 novel of the same name. Garfield was celebrated for his atmospheric historical fiction for young readers, and this TV adaptation brings his dark, Dickensian London to life with a strong cast and a tense, mystery-driven narrative.
Who plays William Jones in John Diamond?
William Jones is played by Tom Hollander, who would go on to become a well-known British actor recognised for roles in Pirates of the Caribbean, Pride & Prejudice, and the TV series Rev. John Diamond was one of his earliest screen appearances, showcasing his talent from a young age.
Who are the notable cast members in John Diamond?
Alongside Tom Hollander, the film features Christopher Guard as the enigmatic John Diamond, Patrick Troughton (the Second Doctor in Doctor Who) as Joseph K'Nee, and David Rappaport as Mr. Seed. Joseph O'Conor rounds out the cast as Alfred Diamond, making this a remarkably accomplished ensemble for a TV production.
Where can I watch John Diamond (1981)?
Streaming availability for John Diamond varies by region. Your best bet is to check JustWatch, which tracks current streaming, rental, and purchase options across all major platforms in your country, saving you the hassle of searching each service individually.
Who directed and wrote John Diamond?
John Diamond was directed by Eric Davidson and written for television by James Andrew Hall, adapting Leon Garfield's novel. The production was overseen by producer Paul Stone. Davidson brings a moody, atmospheric quality to Garfield's Dickensian London setting, keeping the thriller elements taut throughout the 52-minute runtime.
What genre is John Diamond and who is it suitable for?
John Diamond sits at the crossroads of Thriller, Family Drama, and TV Movie. It was made for a younger audience but carries genuine suspense and dark undertones typical of Leon Garfield's writing. Older children, teens, and adults who enjoy classic British television or Dickensian-style stories will find plenty to enjoy.
How long is the film John Diamond (1981)?
John Diamond runs for 52 minutes, making it a compact, tightly paced TV movie. The shorter runtime suits the story well — it keeps the tension high and the narrative focused as William Jones navigates the dangerous back streets of London in search of the mysterious Diamond.
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