Watch THE ROAD TO CORONATION STREET

The Road to Coronation Street is a 2010 television drama that tells the story of how the world-renowned soap opera 'Coronation Street' was created. Written by Daran Little and directed by Charles Sturridge, this movie features Ann Aris, Lynda Baron, and Steven Berkoff in lead roles. Set in the early 1960s, the movie takes the audience on a nostalgic journey back to the time when the British broadcasting industry was undergoing a revolution. The story follows writer Tony Warren, played by David Dawson, who is struggling to get his script approved by the studio heads. He becomes frustrated with the monotony of the shows that are on television at that time, which are mainly about upper-class people living in expensive homes.

Tony wants to write something different, something that would reflect the lives of ordinary people. He decides to base his idea on his experiences growing up in a working-class neighborhood in Manchester. He starts to write scripts for a show about the everyday lives of the residents of a street in Salford. He creates a world that is gritty, realistic, and relatable.

However, Tony's vision for the show is not shared by the studio heads, who are more interested in shows that would appeal to the middle and upper-class viewers. Tony's ideas are repeatedly rejected, and it seems like his writing career is heading towards its end. In his frustration, Tony turns to his friends, actors and colleagues for help. He pitches the show to them, and together, they start working on bringing the show to life.

The movie is an inspiring tale of grit, determination, and resilience. Tony overcomes countless obstacles, including getting the backing of the studio, convincing his team to share his vision, and the challenges of filming a show on a tight budget. The audience is taken on a delightful journey of how the show's iconic characters like the fiery Elsie Tanner, the comic relief of Stan and Hilda Ogden and the sweet natured Annie Walker came to depict real life in the back streets of Salford in the 60s.

The movie also shows the social and cultural context of the times. It highlights the class divide prevalent in England in the 1960s and the lack of opportunities for people from the lower classes. This is depicted through the character of Tony, who was gay and faced prejudice from his family and colleagues. The struggles of the LGBTQ+ community at that time is brought to the forefront, as is the often harsh attitudes of the time towards unmarried mothers.

The acting in the movie is superb, with each actor bringing depth and nuance to their characters. David Dawson, who plays Tony, is flawless in his portrayal of the charismatic writer. Ann Aris, who plays the fearsome Granada TV executive Dorothy Eckersley, does an excellent job of conveying the power and influence wielded by the studio heads. Lynda Baron and Steven Berkoff, who play Elsie Tanner and Harry Elton respectively, bring to life the iconic characters of the show, which would go on to become household names in Britain.

The movie is a fascinating insight into the complex process of creating a television show. The creativity, the determination, the cut-throat negotiations, and the uphill battles make it an absorbing watch. The production quality is high, with excellent attention to detail in the costumes and settings, which adds to the authenticity of the times.

In conclusion, The Road to Coronation Street is an inspiring movie that offers a peek into the world of television production and how one writer's vision transformed the industry. It is a must-watch for fans of the iconic soap opera or those interested in the history of British television. It offers a heartwarming tale of hope, passion and taking risks, and is a celebration of human resilience and creativity.