Watch Geordie

Geordie is a classic British comedy-drama film from 1955 that tells the story of a young Scottish boy named Geordie MacTaggart, who dreams of becoming a professional athlete. Geordie, played charmingly by Paul Young, is a skinny, bookish lad with a penchant for running and a keen interest in all things athletic. His father, played by the formidable Welsh actor Duncan Macrae, is a farmer who has little patience for his son's sports obsession, preferring instead that he focus on his book-learning and follow in his footsteps as a scientist. But Geordie has other plans.

Despite being teased and bullied for his love of running, Geordie is determined to prove himself and follow his dreams. When he overhears that there is to be a Scottish team at the Empire Games in Australia, he sees this as his chance to shine. But with no experience, no coaching, and no support from his father, Geordie faces an uphill struggle to make the team.

Enter Alastair Sim, the beloved Scottish character actor, as his school's PE teacher, who notices Geordie's talent and takes him under his wing, training him in the art of competitive running. With Sim's help, Geordie begins to transform himself, becoming stronger, faster, and more confident with every passing day.

As the film progresses, we see Geordie's journey from a shy, insecure boy into a determined and successful athlete. He trains tirelessly, overcoming countless setbacks along the way, and even manages to win the heart of a local beauty, played by the enchanting Dinah Sheridan.

But the road to success is not without its hurdles, and Geordie must contend with his father's disapproval, pressure from his peers, and the personal sacrifice required to achieve his dreams. In the end, however, Geordie's perseverance and dedication pay off, and he achieves his goal of winning a place on the Scottish team to compete in Australia.

The film is charmingly old-fashioned and much of its appeal lies in its nostalgic and sentimental view of Scotland in the 1950s. The scenery is breathtaking, shot entirely on location in the Scottish Highlands, and the film's depiction of small-town life is sweetly quaint, with its fairs, festivals, and local traditions.

At its heart, though, Geordie is a simple but inspiring tale of one boy's determination and his triumph over adversity. It is a feel-good film that celebrates the power of hard work, perseverance, and the love of sport. Paul Young gives a touching and genuine performance as Geordie, while Alastair Sim is as funny and endearing as ever in his role as the kindly PE teacher.

Overall, Geordie is a timeless classic that is sure to delight audiences of all ages. Its message of hope, resilience, and the pursuit of one's dreams is as relevant today as it was over sixty years ago, and its charming and affectionate portrayal of a bygone era will warm the hearts of viewers everywhere.