MovieChat Forums > 49 Up (2005) Discussion > Charlies, and Peter

Charlies, and Peter


Why did they decide to quite the project? Being as the films take place at 7 year intervals, its not like they are under constant pressure or scrutiny.

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Yes, but they are private citizens who got involved with the project when it was a one-off, so it seems fair to me.

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[deleted]

Peter was very critical of the British Conservative government in 28 UP, and as a school teacher, he was apparently crucified in the British tabloid press saying that someone with his attitude shouldn't be teaching children. He dropped out after that.

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Yeah...i can imagine many of them being criticised for some of the things they said when they were seven and didnt know any better. Like when the rich boys said something about why poor people shouldnt go to their school. They were only kids at the time but people would forever label them as snobs.

Also, Apted asked very personal questions, and it might have stirred up emotions .

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Here's what I don't understand about the series' treatment of Peter: with every other person who has declined to participate, they make specific mention of that fact. But after "28 Up" not only do we never see him again (except for brief archive clips) but he's never even mentioned again. It's almost like he got written out of the series or something. I find that rather peculiar.

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Perhaps there was some kind of legal problem? Maybe, due to his harsh treatment in the press after 28 Up, he put his foot down regarding use of archive footage.

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It's a mystery why Peter is never mentioned. He would have been one of the interesting ones to watch.He's seen briefly in archival footage with Neill when they are riding their bikes. They always make a point of including Charles and the fact he dropped out as a doco maker. I think they want to rub it in.

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Apted said he didn't see any point in showing old footage of Peter now that he has no "ongoing story." No need to even bring him up, and it leaves more time for the others. However, Charles is in all the early shots of the three boys, so he needs a little bit of explanation each time.

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From the director's commentary in 42 Up I surmised that Apted, who is still friends with and meets with Peter, doesn't want him to come to any more grief as occurred after 28 Up so he leaves him out altogether.

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