There is a channel over here called Turner Movie Classics,and lastnight it was 1960s northern English Kitchen sink Drama night,and This film as well as Billy Liar were shown.It was marvelous seeing old Belle Vue,the old Stand in all its glory,and all them old legendary star's too.Ken Traill had a small speaking part and his name was listed on the credits

I had a workmate who was a regular in Traill's pub in Hunslet and he told me that Ken Traill used to receive a cheque for a small amount every time the film was shown any where ,as a royalty payment.

I actually turned that on last night as well

I noticed that it was only the bit part actors that got the west yorkshire accent correct,all the main star's apart from Arthur Lowe couldnt get it right

got this on dvd, it's a decent watch. dennis waterman is a fan of some of machin's antics.....

Remember the film well, it was filmed at Belle Vue and Thrum Hall, Halifax. Have a T shirt bought for the Scottish RL with a pictire of Richard Harris as Frank Machin stood in front of the old Main Stand - oldies like me will remember it.



The referee in the City v Leeds "A Team" game where Frank Machin smacks his own hooker was an actual RFL Linesman from Eastmoor called Albert Rayner, I used to be friends with his lads and he said a few words when he sent the Leeds man off (by mistake) so should be on the credits.

Albert used to live next to my Grandmother and Grandad years ago, wasn't he a skipping world champ or something.



Yes, still got it on DVD and watch the film every now and again, apart from the fact it's shot in Wakefield, it really is a decent film to watch.

Reading the novel at the mo, great read

Albert Lived up the road from me on Barden rd. Think he held 3 world records at one time.given is age it was quite an achievement.

I used to live on Barden Road and went to Heath View.



To answer Shifty cat he was World Skipping Champion and was in the Guiness Book of Records. He was also a Boxer which I guess is where the skipping came from.

Classic film.



Love seeing Derek Turner's scene.

Didn't he also have a world record for swinging some sort of club ?

Indian clubs I think.