Cast
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Dennis Waterman
as Bob Jones
Ken Hutchison
as Jimmy Dickenson
Tim Healy
as 'Dirty' Charlie Hoggy
Rod Culbertson
as Rob Gill
David Bradley
as Ticer Thomas
Struan Rodger
as Jack Greenwell
Christian Rodska
as Creshie Crawford
Jeremy Bulloch
as Ben Tillet Whittingham
Richard Griffiths
as Sidney Barron
Lloyd McGuire
as Tom Gill
Terry Gibbons
as Tucker Gill
John Bowler
as Rob Guthrie
Dyfed Thomas
as Jock Jones
Andrew Keir
as Sir Thomas Lipton
Marjorie Bland
as Edie Jones
Crew
Director
- Tom Clegg
Writer
- Neville Smith
Producer
- Laurie Greenwood
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The World Cup: A Captain's Tale examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Tom Clegg brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1982, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The World Cup: A Captain's Tale took approximately 14 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 83 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 140 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 7 months to complete.
- The film contains approximately 1493 individual shots.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1982, when this film was released:
- The Cold War was entering its final phase.
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While The World Cup: A Captain's Tale shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike North Country, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The World Cup: A Captain's Tale offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Goal! and Goal II: Living the Dream explore similar territory, The World Cup: A Captain's Tale stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: June 13, 1982
- Runtime: 1h 23m
