The Great Game | |
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Original British theatrical poster
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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 date
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Running time
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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. Many of the scenes were shot at Griffin Park the home of Brentford F.C.. Several professional football players made appearances in the film including Tommy Lawton.
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.
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."