The Great Game (1953 film)
The Great Game | |
---|---|
Original British theatrical poster | |
Directed by | Maurice Elvey |
Produced by | David Dent |
Written by | Wolfgang Wilhelm |
Based on | the play Shooting Star by Basil Thomas |
Starring |
James Hayter Thora Hird Diana Dors John Laurie |
Music by | W.L. Trytel |
Cinematography | Phil Grindrod |
Edited by | Lito Carruthers |
Distributed by | Adelphi Films |
Release dates |
(UK) |
Running time | 80 minutes |
Country | United Kingdom |
Language | English |
The Great Game is a 1953 British sports comedy-drama directed by Maurice Elvey and starring James Hayter, Thora Hird and Diana Dors. It was based on a play by Basil Thomas.[1] Many of the scenes were shot at Griffin Park the home of Brentford F.C..[2] Several professional football players made appearances in the film including Tommy Lawton.
Plot
The chairman of a top-flight English football club makes an illegal approach to a rising star of a rival club. This is discovered by the football authorities and the Chairman is ultimately suspended from the game following the ensuing scandal.[3]
Cast
- James Hayter - Joe Lawson
- Thora Hird - Miss Rawlings
- Diana Dors - Lulu Smith
- John Laurie - 'Mac' Wells
- Meredith Edwards- Skid Evans
- Jack Lambert - Ralph Blake
- Glyn Houston - Ned Rutter
- Geoffrey Toone - Jack Bannerman
- Alexander Gauge - Ben Woodhall
- Frank Pettingell - Sir Julius
- Tommy Lawton - Cameo
- Sheila Shand-Gibbs - Mavis Pink
Critical reception
The Digital Fix found the film "largely insignificant and admittedly musters up little interest, but then it is offset with a gentle humour and plenty of broad comedy characterisation from its supporting cast; nobody could ogle Dors’ sexpot secretary quite like John Laurie does in the opening scene." [4]
References
- ↑ Hal Erickson. "The Great Game (1953) - Maurice Elvey - Synopsis, Characteristics, Moods, Themes and Related - AllMovie". AllMovie.
- ↑ malcolmgsw (1 January 1953). "The Great Game (1953)". IMDb.
- ↑ "The Great Game (1952)". BFI.
- ↑ "Film @ The Digital Fix - Miss Tulip Stays the Night / The Great Game". Film @ The Digital Fix.