Sporting film of the day – This Sporting Life

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From robo-heavyweights to angry ice-skaters, sports movies occupy a peculiar and often frankly unwatchable place in the annals of Hollywood history. Amid global lockdown, the PA news agency runs a daily rule over some of the films that might provide that much-needed sporting fix – and those that absolutely shouldn’t.

THIS SPORTING LIFE (1963)

Summary

Despite success on the field, coal miner-turned-rising rugby star Frank Machin senses the emerging emptiness of his life as his inner angst begins to materialise through aggression and brutality, so he attempts to woo his landlady Margaret Hammond in the hope of finding a reason to live. Based on the novel by David Storey, a one-time rugby league player who also wrote the screenplay, the film was nominated for two Oscars.

Cast

Leonard Rossiter
An then unknown Leonard Rossiter played a reporter in the film (PA Images)

Did you know?

Wakefield Trinity v Catalans Dragons – Betfred Super League – Belle Vue
Belle Vue Stadium has changed little since it was a backdrop for filming of This Sporting Life (PA Images/Mike Egerton)

Review

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