This Sporting Life
Criterion Collection Edition #417
One of the finest British films ever made, this benchmark of kitchen-sink realism follows the self-defeating professional and romantic pursuits of a miner turned rugby player eking out an existence in drab Yorkshire. With an astonishing, raging performance by a young Richard Harris, an equally blistering turn by fellow Oscar nominee Rachel Roberts as the widow with whom he lodges, and electrifying direction by Lindsay Anderson, in his feature-film debut following years of documentary work, THIS SPORTING LIFE remains a dramatic powerhouse.
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This Sporting Life
Directed by Lindsay Anderson • 1963 • United Kingdom
Starring Richard Harris, Rachel Roberts, Alan BadelOne of the finest British films ever made, this benchmark of kitchen-sink realism follows the self-defeating professional and romantic pursuits of a miner turned rugby player eking out an exi...
Extras
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THIS SPORTING LIFE Commentary
Recorded in Los Angeles and London in 2007, this commentary features Paul Ryan, editor of “Never Apologise: The Collected Writings of Lindsay Anderson,” and David Storey, author of both the novel “This Sporting Life” and the screenplay.
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Meet the Pioneers
In 1948, the managing director of the Richard Sutcliffe Limited company was looking to record its origins and processes. Desmond Sutcliffe and his wife, Lois, an acquaintance of Lindsay Anderson’s, chose the young critic. The result is an insightful record of industry and the working class that, ...
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Lois Sutcliffe Smith on Lindsay Anderson
Lois Sutcliffe Smith, who gave THIS SPORTING LIFE director Lindsay Anderson his first opportunity in filmmaking with MEET THE PIONEERS, remained a close friend of Lindsay’s. This video interview with Smith was recorded in March 2007 in London.
