Best

Synopsis

George Best could play football like no one else. As a working-class boy in East Belfast, he was spotted by a Manchester United talent scout and at 15 joined the prestigious English team. He arrived in Manchester in 1961 a shy, naïve boy to join Matt Busby's squad. Busby immediately recognised his brilliance and the pair formed a tempestuous but strong and loyal bond that was to become a truly significant influence on Best's life.

Professional acclaim was swift and unprotected. Soon dubbed the golden boy of Manchester United, George's privacy was gone. The press gorged themselves on tales of the outstanding footballer's professional and private life. Scoring goals, scoring with women and earning himself a reputation on and off the pitch.

But as his fame and fortune grew, personal pride and satisfaction eluded him. He turned to drink to block out the dissatisfaction he felt from the game and his personal relationships. The media turned on him for wantonly throwing his chance away, reporting the walkouts, the failed relationships, drunken binges, fights and humiliations; forgetting the enigmatic, brilliant sporting artist they had previously showered with praise.

Redemption only arrived when he came to terms with his past and found peace with himself.

Details

Year

2000

Type of film

Features

Running Time

106 mins

Format

35mm Kodak

Director

Mary McGuckian

Producer

Guy Collins, Michael Ryan, John Lynch, Stene Christian

Editor

Kant Pan

Screenwriter

John Lynch, Mary McGuckian

Director of Photography

Witold Stok BSE

Music

Don Gallagher

Principal Cast

John Lynch, Ian Bannen, Jerome Flynn, Ian Hart, Linus Roache, Patsy Kensit, Stephen Fry, Sophie Dahl, Cal Macaninch

Genre

Production status

Complete

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Last updated 26th November 2005