Re-released by Park Circus and digitally restored and remastered, THIS SPORTING LIFE stars Richard Harris, more recently seen as Professor Albus Dumbledore in the first two HARRY POTTER films, and Rachel Roberts, who also appeared in Lindsay Anderson's O LUCKY MAN! and Karel Reisz's SATURDAY NIGHT AND SUNDAY MORNING.
In THIS SPORTING LIFE, Richard Harris plays Frank, a miner who lodges with a widow (Rachel Roberts). His competitive nature and powerful physique mean that when he reads of the success and respect gained by the local rugby team, he decides to join and share in the glory. However, as Frank's career progresses, his brutality distances him from those around him, with devastating consequences.
Based on the novel by acclaimed writer and former Rugby player David Storey, who also wrote the script and appeared in a minor role in the film, THIS SPORTING LIFE was the first feature by director Lindsay Anderson, a gifted reporter of everyday realities who previously worked as a documentary filmmaker and theatre stage director.
THIS SPORTING LIFE united great talent from British theatre and film successfully, demonstrated by Richard Harris winning the Best Actor Award at the Cannes Film Festival and Rachel Roberts receiving the Best British Actress trophy at the BAFTA Film Awards.
THIS SPORTING LIFE will be opening from Friday 5 June at the ICA, London and selected cinemas, presented in a digital cinema version.
134 minutes
