Whitey (1980): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1980, Whitey is a drama film directed by Robbe De Hert, running about 106 minutes.

What it’s about. The second movie version, now in color, of Flemish (heimat-)author Ernest Claes' classical novel, titled after the nickname (Dutch 'the White', referring to a blond male) of the main character. The smart but naughty farmhands son's eternal mischief, pranks and disobedience drive his elders (especially teachers, family and father's grumpy employer, a rich farmer, but also neighbors and even the kind curate whose liturgical server he is) and classmates to despair in a time when a boy's punishment was still inevitable, swift and often severe; thus when his mother catches him skinny dipping she takes all his clothes home, forcing him to a long walk of shame, dreading dad's wrath all the way. This version also stresses the story's social and Flamingant aspects.

Who’s in it. Whitey stars Clerckx Eric as Louis Verheyden/De Witte, Willy Vandermeulen as Vader van de Witte, Blanka Heirman as Moeder van de Witte and Paul-Emile Van Royen as Teacher, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 5.3/10, Whitey has proved divisive with audiences.

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

If you liked it. Fans of Whitey tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.