The Committee (1968): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1968, The Committee is a fantasy, drama and music film directed by Peter Sykes, running about 58 minutes. “The mystery film of the 1960's” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. The Committee, starring Paul Jones of Manfred Mann fame, is a unique document of Britain in the 1960s. After a very successful run in London’s West End in 1968, viewings of this controversial movie have been few and far between. Stunning black and white camera work by Ian Wilson brings to life this “chilling fable” by Max Steuer, a lecturer (now Reader Emeritus) at the London School of Economics. Avoiding easy answers, The Committee uses a surreal murder to explore the tension and conflict between bureaucracy on one side, and individual freedom on the other. Many films, such as Total Recall, Fahrenheit 451 and Camus’ The Stranger, see the state as ignorant and repressive, and pass over the inevitable weaknesses lying deep in individuals. Drawing on the ideas of R.D. Laing, a psychologically hip state faces an all too human protagonist.

Who’s in it. The Committee stars Arthur Brown as Himself, Jimmy Gardner as Boss, Paul Jones as Central figure and Tom Kempinski as Victim, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 3.0/10, The Committee has proved divisive with audiences.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Committee page.

If you liked it. Fans of The Committee tend to enjoy The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, The Green Mile, Spirited Away and The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.