 In the film adaptation of The Who's rock opera "Tommy" (directed by Ken Russell) ,Tommy's stepfather Frank (portrayed by Oliver Reed ) becomes acquainted with Tommy's widowed mother ( Ann Margaret ) during his employ as a Greencoat at the fictional Bernie's Holiday Camp.A number of entertainers have been Redcoats in the early stages of their careers.Becoming a Redcoat is seen as a way into show business, as it allows a performer to become established as a professional for the purposes of joining the Equity trade union which then allows the performer to work freely throughout the industry.