Wolcott (1981): cast, story & where to watch
1981 · Film
Released in 1981, Wolcott is an action, thriller and crime film directed by Colin Bucksey, running about 200 minutes.
What it’s about. A groundbreaking, high-calibre police drama, Wolcott was the first British production purposefully broadcast in the mini-series format – and also the first British police drama to feature a black actor in a leading role. Displaying the same rough, streetwise vibe as The Sweeney, Wolcott stars the charismatic George William Harris as a tough, loner detective with a gift for rubbing people up the wrong way. Winning massive viewing figures, its controversially unflinching depiction of racism and crime ensured that it has never been repeated or released in any format until now. Fresh out of uniform, supremely confident and keen to make waves, Wolcott is a man in the middle, facing hostility both from the community he polices and his colleagues in the Force. His investigations into the fatal stabbing of an old woman soon uncover a brutal drug war being fought between rival criminal gangs...
Who’s in it. Wolcott stars George Harris as Winston Churchill Wolcott, Christine Lahti as Melinda Marin, Warren Clarke as Terry Rowe and Martin Dempsey as DI Gilligan, among others.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Wolcott page.
If you liked it. Fans of Wolcott tend to enjoy The Dark Knight, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Inception and The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch Wolcott (1981)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for Wolcott change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Who stars in Wolcott?
- Wolcott stars George Harris, Christine Lahti, Warren Clarke, Martin Dempsey and Clive Merrison.
- When was Wolcott released?
- Wolcott was released in 1981, with a runtime of about 200 minutes.