This Sporting Life

Synopsis

One of the most notable films from cinema’s British "New Wave" phase. It is director Lindsay Anderson’s multi-award winning, gritty and powerful northern drama, featuring a breakout performance from Richard Harris (Gladiator, Harry Potter) with strong support from Rachel Roberts (Saturday Night Sunday Morning), both of whom are on tremendous form in one of the films that came to define the sixties. This version of the film has been taken from an HD print in the correct aspect ratio so this is the first time the film can be viewed on DVD as it was meant for a cinema audience.
Frank Machin is a miner who lodges with Mrs. Hammond, a widow. His competitive nature and powerful physique lead him to join the local rugby team. With a progressing sports career comes success - and perhaps a new sense of insecurity - which seems to make Frank harsher and cruder than he already is. But his inability to articulate his sensitive side only serves to alienate people further...
With both Richard Harris and Rachel Roberts turning in powerhouse performances (which won Harris an award for Best Actor at Cannes and Roberts a nomination) plus a Palm d’Or nomination at Cannes for director Lindsay Anderson, this is an unflinching look at the lives of the working class set in the bleak landscape of northern England.
Special features on this DVD are: Digital restoration of the film in the correct aspect ratio; Original Theatrical Trailer; Extensive image gallery; Promotional and Script PDFs; Commemorative Booklet by Film Historian and Lecturer David Rolinson.

Language

English

Country

Great Britain

Medium

Video

Year of production

1963

Subjects

English language and literature; Film studies

Keywords

dentistry; rugby; working classes

Credits

Director

Lindsay Anderson

Writer

David Storey

Cast

Colin Blakely
Rachel Roberts
Richard Harris

Distribution Formats

Type

DVD

Format

Region 2 PAL

Price

£12.99

Availability

Sale

Duration/Size

128 minutes

Year

2008

Distributor

Name

Network

Email

shop@networkonair.com

Web

http://networkonair.com/ External site opens in new window

Phone

01992 657707

Address

19-20 Blythe Road
Berghem Mews
Hammersmith
London
W14 0HN

Notes

Founded in 1997, Network specialises in distributing niche television programmes, predominantly licensed from Granada Ventures and Fremantle. They have recently branched into feature film distribution. Sale via retail outlets or direct via Network’s website, which has some’web exclusive’ offers.

 

Available from retail outlets