I was both entranced and captivated by this film, when first viewing it in the early eighties, coming from a working class background, i could empathise with viv and the other characters, for though life for these people was tough and uncompromising, i feel that, as the story depicts there is a basic quality in these people, that adheres them to others. i think also that the acting was first class, and on par with Ken Loache's Kes. in its realism. I only wish that more films were made in this way today- rather than having to sit through hyped up Hollywood blockbusters. i believe in hindsight that the pools company, would of been shocked by the revaluation in the film that winning the pools can damage your health and those of your loved ones, although the film caused quite a stir at the time, the pools company probably sold more coupons after the showing than the weeks prior to its release, proving that any publicity- good or bad- is worthwhile. in summing up, the film in my eyes, as a basic message that the love of money is the root of all evil- perhaps not that dramatic but the message is there all the same, i also agree that somehow it was saying that working class people can't cope with large amounts of money- almost as if only the middle and upper classes are entitled only to the riches and extravagances that money can buy. A true classic.