This film is part of Rentals
Cup Fever
Youth football team Barton Utd triumph against the odds in a Children's Film Foundation classic
Director: David Bracknell
Overview
An underdog boys' team are the heroes of this football-themed Children's Film Foundation classic. Cup Fever has the trappings of an Ealing comedy - with plucky, ragtag Barton United pitted against the better-equipped and altogether more privileged rivals Tooley Green. Tooley have devious friends in high places in the form of Councillor Bates, their captain's dad, who conspires to turn Barton's training ground into a car park. Can Barton's David topple the Tooley Goliath?
Bernard Cribbins offers well-pitched support as a benevolent policeman, while a 14-year-old Susan George gets an early outing. There's also some fascinating footage of mid-60s Manchester - including an Old Trafford stadium in the process of transformation (though the titular contest takes place at Moss Lane, home to amateurs Altringham FC). Manchester United fans with long memories will enjoy an awkward cameo from the legendary manager Sir Matt Busby and glimpses of heroes Bobby Charlton, George Best and Denis Law. For balance, Bert Trautman, goalkeeper of arch-rivals Man City, is seen presenting the trophy.
Related
Runaway Railway Runaway Railway
Children's 1970 55 mins Director: Jan Darnley-Smith
A pre-Porridge Ronnie Barker plays a dim-witted train robber up to no good in this steam-era comedy adventure for kids
Do Not Adjust Your Set (Series 1 episode 5) Do Not Adjust Your Set (Series 1 episode 5)
Children's 1968 25 mins Director: Daphne Shadwell
With the series in full flow, the fifth episode showcases some splendid interplay between the team – plus some sumptuous mugging from David Jason.
Do Not Adjust Your Set (Series 1 episode 11) Do Not Adjust Your Set (Series 1 episode 11)
Children's 1968 25 mins Director: Daphne Shadwell
Highlights in this episode include the terrific ‘Art Gallery’ sketch, with a Gumby-esque Terry Jones exhibited as a living art work.
Do Not Adjust Your Set (Series 1 episode 12) Do Not Adjust Your Set (Series 1 episode 12)
Children's 1968 25 mins Director: Daphne Shadwell
As the series nears its conclusion everybody in the cast seems thoroughly at ease with each other, delivering both slapstick and cerebral sketches with smooth efficiency.
Do Not Adjust Your Set (Series 1 episode 13) Do Not Adjust Your Set (Series 1 episode 13)
Children's 1968 25 mins Director: Daphne Shadwell
The last show of the first series sees everybody larking about somewhat.
Do Not Adjust Your Set (Series 1 episode 1) Do Not Adjust Your Set (Series 1 episode 1)
Children's 1968 25 mins Director: Daphne Shadwell
Here we meet Michael Palin’s prototype unhelpful shop assistant (a distinct precursor of many future Python characters), plus the Bonzos ripping up the stage with The Sound of Music.
Flash Gordon Flash Gordon
Science Fiction 1980 112 mins Director: Mike Hodges
Sam J. Jones stars as the quintessential comic strip hero, out to save the Earth from Ming the Merciless, in Mike Hodges’ visually ravishing sci-fi.
The Eagle Huntress The Eagle Huntress
Documentary 2016 88 mins
Daisy Ridley narrates this inspiring documentary about a girl who causes a stir in her tribe in Mongolia by embracing the traditionally male role of Eagle Hunter.
Shaun the Sheep Movie Shaun the Sheep Movie
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2014 85 mins Director: Richard Starzak and Mark Burton
Aardman returns with another delightful animation for young and old, telling the story of Shaun’s adventures in the big city after Farmer is led astray.
Early Man Early Man
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2018 89 mins Director: Nick Park
In Aardman’s latest animated adventure, Caveman Dug and his pet hog, Hognog, must unite their tribe if they're are to survive the threat of pompous tyrant Lord Nooth.
Wonderstruck Wonderstruck
Drama 2017 116 mins Director: Todd Haynes
Julianne Moore stars in Todd Haynes' playful adaptation of Brian Selznick’s acclaimed young adult novel, which follows two children from different eras as they set out to find people from their pasts.
Pinocchio Pinocchio
Fantasy 2019 125 mins Director: Matteo Garrone
In this unnerving live action adaptation of the classic tale, wood carver Gepetto (Roberto Benigni) crafts a wooden boy named Pinocchio who magically comes to life.
Out of Darkness Out of Darkness
Horror 2024 87 mins Director: Andrew Cumming
Bringing a whole new meaning to the term ‘period film’, Andrew Cumming’s Palaeolithic horror movie is a true original.
The Peasants The Peasants
Drama 2023 115 mins Director: Hugh Welchman and Dorota Kobiela
Using an advanced oil painting animation technique, The Peasants is a visually thrilling rendering of Władysław Reymont’s Nobel Prize-winning tale.
The Iron Claw The Iron Claw
Biopic 2023 132 mins Director: Sean Durkin
Compelling sports drama about the real-life Von Erich brothers and their tragic journey to the top of professional 1980s wrestling.
Samsara Samsara
Drama 2023 114 mins Director: Lois Patiño
Berlin Film Festival award winner Lois Patiño’s assured third feature transports us to magical places in Laos and Zanzibar, where the visible and the invisible merge.
Gassed Up Gassed Up
Drama 2023 102 mins Director: George Amponsah
A group of London teenage boys turn to motorbike crime for survival in George Amponsah’s high-octane follow-up to The Hard Stop.
Occupied City Occupied City
Documentary 2023 251 mins Director: Steve McQueen
Steve McQueen’s cinematic commemoration of the Holocaust offers a multidimensional experience full of gravity and sublimity.