This Sporting Life

UK (1963): Drama

Adapted by David Storey from his own novel, this film stars Richard Harris as Frank, an athletic coal miner who aspires to the greener pastures of professional rugby. Soon establishing himself as one of the most brutal and arrogant players in the business, Frank begins amassing a fortune. He also takes on a mistress, played by Rachel Roberts; their relationship hinges on sex alone, with little emotional involvement from either party. At the wedding ceremony for one of Frank's teammates, she unexpectedly lashes out at her swaggering lover. They split up, but Frank, who until now has equated happiness with wealth, is unable to get over her. In his first dramatic feature, former documentary filmmaker Lindsay Anderson illustrates his oft-repeated thesis that an individual must look within himself in order to change his lot in life; by the end of the film, Frank looks within himself at long last. (Independent Artists/Wintle-Parkyn/Rank - Continental) (Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide)

 Use this link to a clip from This Sporting Life on TCM.com.

2 nominations