The Boy Who Turned Yellow

The Boy Who Turned Yellow
video cover
Directed by	Michael Powell
Produced by	Emeric Pressburger
Written by	Emeric Pressburger
Starring	Mark Dightam Robert Eddison Helen Weir Brian Worth
Music by	Patrick Gowers David Vorhaus
Cinematography	Christopher Challis
Edited by	Peter Boita
Production company	Roger Cherrill Ltd, Children's Film Foundation
Distributed by	Rank
Release date	16 September 1972 (UK)
Running time	55 minutes
Country	United Kingdom
Language	English

The Boy Who Turned Yellow (1972) is the last film collaboration by the British filmmakers Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, and the last theatrical film directed by Michael Powell. The film was made for the Children's Film Foundation.

John (Mark Dightam) loses one of his pet mice, Alice, whilst on a school trip to the Tower of London. Upset back in class, he is sent home by his teacher for not paying attention during a lesson on electricity. Later that day on the London Underground, the train and everyone in it suddenly turns bright, vivid yellow. John's doctor (Esmond Knight) declares that the condition is harmless and should wear off soon, but that evening John hears noises from his television set and meets the eccentric yellow-coloured Nick (short for Electronic) (Robert Eddison). The pair return to the Tower of London in an attempt to find Alice, but they are menaced by Yeoman Warders and John is threatened with execution. When John is finally reunited with his pet, he awakes in class. Was his adventure actually all just a dream?

The film was the last collaboration by Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger. They also brought in some of their old colleagues from The Archers, such as cinematographer Christopher Challis and actor Esmond Knight.

Location shooting took place at sites around London:

The film won a "Chiffy" award from the Children's Film Foundation. The "Chiffy" award was voted for by the children themselves.