REV25: MR. BURTON

Touching, warm and gentle, Mr. Burton tells the story of the special relationship between a young man by the name of Richard Jenkins and his teacher and mentor Phillip Burton. 

Through the course of their relationship which this film picks up in 1942 in the Welsh mining village of Pontrhdyen we see the 17-year old Jenkins transform from a young dreamer into what was to become Wales’ greatest acting talent and one of the biggest stars of international cinema, Richard Burton.

There’s some real magic in this film as Phillip Burton (beautifully played by Toby Jones) and Richard Jenkins/Richard Burton (Harry Lawty) learn the hard way what it takes to realise your dreams and stay true to your roots and heart. 

Spanning decades across their lives, Lawty captures the swaggering characteristics that we identify with Burton while also speculating on sexual undercurrent that may have framed his brooding exterior and often erratic behaviour.

Filled with great art direction, crisp photography and authentic performances, Mr. Burton contains tons of surprising story nooks and crannies for the film lover and a very rewarding big screen experience.

Feature Narrative | 2025 | UK

This feature is screened alongside the short film Smokescreen (Harrison Rook, Australia, 2024, 9:25)