The Great Game (1953 film)

The Great Game
Original British theatrical poster
Directed by	Maurice Elvey
Written by	Wolfgang Wilhelm
Based on	the play Shooting Star by Basil Thomas
Produced by	David Dent
Starring	James Hayter Thora Hird Diana Dors John Laurie
Cinematography	Phil Grindrod
Edited by	Lito Carruthers
Music by	W.L. Trytel
Distributed by	Adelphi Films
Release date	January 1953 (1953-01) (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. 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.

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.

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."