Poor Cow 1967

18-year-old Joy, portrayed by Carol White, comes from a large family with an alcoholic mother and a womanising father, and she leaves home to marry Tom John Bindon. They have a son, Johnny. Tom is emotionally and physically abusive, showing little warmth or affection. He has already spent four years in prison, and after being jailed again for attempting a big robbery, Joy and their very young son are left to cope on their own.

After briefly sharing a room with her Aunt Emm Queenie Watts, Joy moves in with Dave Terence Stamp, one of Tom’s criminal associates. Dave is tender and understanding, but his hopes for a better life are crushed when he receives a 12-year sentence for a robbery that results in a woman being blinded. With a long criminal record, early release seems unlikely. Resolute to remain faithful to Dave, Joy moves back in with Aunt Emm, writes to Dave frequently, and begins divorce proceedings against Tom.

Joy takes a job as a barmaid and starts modeling for a seedy photographers’ club, drifting into promiscuity. She likes men giving her presents, but her impulsive, easygoing nature makes it hard to earn a steady living as a prostitute. She dreams of improving her circumstances and breaking free from her humdrum surroundings. When Tom is released, he promises to move her from her small, shabby flat to a modern, well-furnished house, and Joy goes back to him.

One evening, after Tom has slapped her several times, Joy goes out, and upon returning, she finds Johnny missing. She frantically searches and finally locates him alone on a demolition site where he has gone to play. Realising how much Johnny means to her, Joy decides to stay with Tom despite the abuse, but continues to dream of a future with Dave.