Mr. Burton (2025)

Another sell-out audience for us. Mr Burton, starring newcomer Harry Lawtey, Toby Jones and Lesley Manville, sent everyone home happy.  Sometimes we can have dissenting views in our post-film discussions, but this time it was an affirming experience.

We explored how Richard Burton was represented in this 2025 film, out in time for the centenary of his birth. We see his anger and frustration, mixed with a sense of pride and lack of trust. This was a vulnerable portrayal by Harry Lawtey as the miner’s rejected son.  He did channel the spirit and voice of the unique Richard Burton.

Mr Burton, the teacher who opens Richard’s world, sees the talent and potential in his student and goes to remarkable lengths to develop him. We found this a “wholesome and genuine relationship,” and were touched by the scenes in the classroom.  He was truly an inspirational teacher, “a pivotal pillar” who gained respect because of his obvious deep commitment to the young people he taught. Toby Jones was the perfect choice for this role – a brilliant, moving performance.

A single older man nurturing a young pupil, even going as far as being his legal ward of court, clearly raised some eyebrows. Burton’s drunken father is quick to make slurs (after pocketing £50).  However, the film shows how the relationship is indeed very beautiful and powerful. Young Jenkins is more than a son substitute to Philip Burton. Both are lonely, tortured and searching.

We appreciated Lesley Manville’s portrayal of landlady and confidante Ma Smith, seeing her as a “safety net” that kept things “glued together.”  Caring and compassionate, she is very much the heart of the film. 

We had insights from a member of the group with Welsh roots on life in the valleys.  We also heard from the former teachers in the group on the importance of nurturing pupils and how they gained deeply from the experience.  

A splendid film.

Anne