The film is set in two halves, the first in Durham prison and the second half while McVicar is on the run in London.

Eventually, however, McVicar is forced to fund his family's relocation plan by returning to crime.

McVicar is returned to prison and his sentence is increased, but during this time he studies for a BSc in sociology and he is eventually released.

The film had its premiere at the Rialto cinema in Leicester Square in London on 27 August 1980.

[2] The film's soundtrack, a Roger Daltrey solo album, was released as McVicar and featured contributions by the other three extant members of The Who, Pete Townshend, John Entwistle and Kenney Jones, along with other musicians.