Watch The Great Game

The Great Game is a British drama film from 1953 that tells the story of a young man named Johnnie (played by Richard Attenborough) who dreams of becoming a professional footballer but struggles to find success. His life takes a dramatic turn when he is recruited by a shadowy figure named Paddy (James Hayter) to participate in an illegal gambling operation known as the "Great Game."

The Great Game is a high-stakes betting ring that involves fixing football matches and bribing players to influence the outcome of games. Paddy is the mastermind behind the operation, and he sees great potential in Johnnie's natural talent on the field. He convinces Johnnie to join his team of fixers and promises him a life of luxury and success if he plays his cards right.

At first, Johnnie is hesitant to get involved in such a shady business. He is a young man with morals and pride, and the idea of cheating his way to success goes against everything he believes in. However, the lure of fame and fortune is too tempting to resist, and Johnnie eventually gives in to Paddy's offer.

As Johnnie becomes more involved in the Great Game, he begins to enjoy the luxurious lifestyle that comes with being part of the inner circle. He is given fancy cars, expensive suits, and women fawn over him wherever he goes. However, he quickly realizes that the cost of this lifestyle is high, and he begins to experience the dark side of the Great Game.

The people involved in the betting ring are ruthless, and Johnnie soon finds himself under the control of Paddy and his associates. He is forced to do things he never thought possible, including bribing other players, intimidating opponents, and even throwing games. As the stakes get higher and the pressure mounts, Johnnie finds himself in an impossible situation.

The film also explores the relationships between the characters, including Johnnie's romance with a nightclub singer named Mary (Diana Dors) and his close friendship with a wise and caring elderly woman named Mrs. Byfield (Thora Hird). These relationships provide a sense of humanity and empathy in a story that is otherwise driven by greed and corruption.

Overall, The Great Game is a compelling drama that explores the dark side of sports gambling and the allure of a lavish lifestyle. The film is well-acted, with strong performances from Richard Attenborough, James Hayter, and the rest of the cast. It is a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and the importance of staying true to one's principles, even in the face of great temptation.

The Great Game is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 17 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.