After a spell in foster care and a homeless shelter, Jamie is conscripted into the Royal Air Force and sent to Egypt. Befriended by Robert, Jamie finds redemption in his new friendship. Their undemanding companionship releases Jamie from self-pity and allows him to pursue his artistic ambition.

Like Truffaut and Jean-Pierre Léaud, Bill Douglas worked with the same actor over a long period of time, so one of the joys is watching both character and performer grow up together. His trilogy’s grand finale, made six years after part one, offers a note of hope, redemption, and freedom.