This Sporting Life poster
7/10 1963 2h 14m Released

He only believed in strength - love was a word he hadn't the power to say.

In early 1960s Northern England, Frank Machin is mean, tough and ambitious enough to become an immediate star in the rugby league team run by local employer Weaver.

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Top Cast

Richard Harris
Richard Harris
Frank Machin
Rachel Roberts
Rachel Roberts
Mrs. Margaret Hammond
Alan Badel
Alan Badel
Gerald Weaver
William Hartnell
William Hartnell
'Dad' Johnson
Colin Blakely
Colin Blakely
Maurice Braithwaite
Vanda Godsell
Vanda Godsell
Mrs Anne Weaver
Anne Cunningham
Anne Cunningham
Judith
Jack Watson
Jack Watson
Len Miller
Arthur Lowe
Arthur Lowe
Charles Slomer
Harry Markham
Harry Markham
Wade
George Sewell
George Sewell
Jeff
Leonard Rossiter
Leonard Rossiter
Phillips, Sports Writer
Katherine Parr
Katherine Parr
Mrs Farrer
Bernadette Benson
Bernadette Benson
Lynda Hammond
Andrew Nolan
Andrew Nolan
Ian Hammond
Peter Duguid
Peter Duguid
Doctor

Reviews

John Chard 9/10

It's about time you took that rock of weight off your shoulders. This Sporting Life is directed by Lindsay Anderson and written by David Storey. It stars Richard Harris, Rachel Roberts, Alan Badel, William Hartnell, Colin Blakely, Vanda Godsell and Anne Cunningham. Music is by Roberto Gerhard and cinematography by Denys Coop. Frank Machin (Harris) gets the opportunity to utilise his brute strength and angry…

CinemaSerf 7/10

Richard Harris is on great form here as the aspiring rugby league player "Frank" in a northern English town who is about to hit the big time. An enormous payment of £1,000 is offered and that's going to change not just his life, but possibly that of his landlady "Mrs. Hammond" (Rachel Roberts). She's quite a distant widow who keeps a low profile but he's interested in her, despite her dour exterior. Yes, in a…

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FAQ about This Sporting Life

What is This Sporting Life about?
In early 1960s Northern England, Frank Machin is mean, tough and ambitious enough to become an immediate star in the rugby league team run by local employer Weaver.
When was This Sporting Life released?
This Sporting Life was released in 1963.
What genres does This Sporting Life belong to?
This Sporting Life is categorised as Drama.
Who stars in This Sporting Life?
The cast of This Sporting Life includes Richard Harris, Rachel Roberts, Alan Badel, William Hartnell, Colin Blakely.