The Go-Between

In those days, you fell in love with your own class. Or found a Go-Between.

1971 • 116 min • Drama · Romance

Join the Angel Guild Write your review Sign in to rate and review

Synopsis

British teenager Leo Colston spends a summer in the countryside, where he develops a crush on the beautiful young aristocrat Marian. Eager to impress her, Leo becomes the "go-between" for Marian, delivering secret romantic letters to Ted Burgess, a handsome neighboring farmer.

Our family guide

Best from age 13

Movie Knight Score

166 reviews

100 Reviewers · 1 · 51%
68 Audience · 165 · 49%

Leo, a young boy, spends a summer holiday in the English countryside and becomes entangled in a secret, forbidden romance between an aristocrat and a local farmer. He acts as their messenger, navigating complex adult emotions and social class differences.

Violence & peril: 2/10
Language: 1/10
Drinking, drugs & smoking: 3/10
Romance & sensuality: 4/10
Scary moments: 2/10

Heads up

Disappointment and heartbreak
Some mature themes

What it models well

Loyalty and friendship
Coming of age
Observing human nature

Talk about it after

Class differences and societal expectations
The consequences of secrets
Growing up and loss of innocence

Written by the Movie Knight editorial team for The Go-Between. Our own words, our own scoring — always double-check against your family's standards.

Where to watch

Country

Free with ads

YouTube Free

Rent

Buy

Links go straight to each service. Some are affiliate links that support Movie Knight at no cost to you. Availability data by JustWatch via TMDB.

Top billed cast

Director: Joseph Losey • Crew: Harold Pinter

Trailers & clips

The Go-Between (1971) Original Trailer [HD]

Reviewer notes

RecommendedTrusted family reviewers
Sadly, time has not been very kind to the potency of this film. In 2020s society, the overwhelming feeling of "so what?" is hard to shake off; despite some really strong performances. Dominic Guard is "Leo", just 13 when he is invited to summer at the Norfolk country home of one of his classmates.…
CinemaSerf, TMDB Community