This film is part of Rentals
Cup Fever
Youth football team Barton Utd triumph against the odds in a Children's Film Foundation classic
Children's 1965 61 mins Not rated
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.
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