Fever Pitch (1997 film)
This article includes a list of general references, but it remains largely unverified because it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (December 2019) |
Fever Pitch | |
---|---|
Directed by | David Evans |
Screenplay by | Nick Hornby |
Based on | Fever Pitch: A Fan's Life by Nick Hornby |
Produced by | Amanda Posey |
Starring | |
Cinematography | Chris Seager |
Edited by | Scott Thomas |
Music by | Boo Hewerdine Neil MacColl |
Production company | |
Distributed by | FilmFour Distributors[1] |
Release date |
|
Running time | 102 minutes |
Country | United Kingdom |
Language | English |
Fever Pitch is a 1997 film starring Colin Firth, based loosely on Nick Hornby's best-selling memoir, Fever Pitch: A Fan's Life (1992).[2]
Plot[]
Hornby adapted the book for the screen and fictionalised the story, concentrating on Arsenal's First Division championship-winning season in 1988–89[2] and its effect on the protagonist's romantic relationship. Firth plays Paul Ashworth, the character based on Hornby, a teacher at a school in south Hertfordshire and his romance with Sarah Hughes (Ruth Gemmell), a new teacher who joins Ashworth's school. The film culminates with the real life events of Arsenal's match against title rivals Liverpool in the final game of the season on 26 May 1989, with a last-minute goal by Michael Thomas giving Arsenal the 2–0 win they needed to secure the title.
Cast[]
- Colin Firth as Paul Ashworth
- Ruth Gemmell as Sarah Hughes
- Mark Strong as Steve
- Neil Pearson as Mr. Ashworth
- Lorraine Ashbourne as Mrs. Ashworth
- Holly Aird as Jo
- Stephen Rea as Ray
- Emily Conway as Sasha
- Richard Claxton as Robert Parker
- Annette Ekblom as Robert's Mother
- Andy Raines as Football Referee
- Mike Ingham as Radio Announcer
- Ken Stott as Ted, the Headmaster
Production[]
The film also stars Neil Pearson as Paul's father and Mark Strong as Steve, Paul's best friend. Nick Hornby has a cameo as a beaten opposition manager in a school football match. Parts of the film were shot on location in the surroundings of Arsenal Stadium in Highbury; as the terracing at Highbury had since been replaced, the scenes of fans on the terraces were instead filmed at Fulham's Craven Cottage stadium.
Remake[]
In 2005, the film was remade in an American version also entitled Fever Pitch starring Jimmy Fallon and Drew Barrymore, with the 2004 World Series Boston Red Sox replacing Arsenal. To avoid confusion, this 2005 remake is known as The Perfect Catch in the UK.
References[]
- ^ "Fever Pitch (1996)". BBFC. Retrieved 19 October 2021.
- ^ a b Derek Elley (5 April 1997). "Fever Pitch". Variety.com. Retrieved 26 December 2019.
- "Fever Pitch". The Guardian. Retrieved 26 December 2019.
External links[]
- 1997 films
- English-language films
- 1997 romantic comedy films
- Arsenal F.C.
- British romantic comedy films
- Film4 Productions films
- British association football films
- Films about educators
- Films about fandom
- Films set in London
- Films set in 1988
- Films set in 1989
- Films based on works by Nick Hornby
- British films
- Films with screenplays by Nick Hornby
- Films à clef
- Films based on autobiographies