This Sporting Life
1963, English. Directed by Lindsay Anderson.
He only believed in strength - love was a word he hadn't the power to say.
In early 1960s Northern England, Frank Machin is mean, tough and ambitious enough to become an immediate star in the rugby league team run by local employer Weaver.
- Runtime
- 2h 14m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
- Check local
Start now and it ends at ….
Worth the Hype
Clear your evening for this.
7.0/10 from 127 TMDB viewer ratings.
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Where to watch This Sporting Life
This Sporting Life isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can watch it free or rent it or buy it online.
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Fandango At HomeAvailability in India as of 9 November 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.
Cast & crew
- Lindsay AndersonDirector
- Richard HarrisFrank Machin
- Rachel RobertsMrs. Margaret Hammond
- Alan BadelGerald Weaver
- William Hartnell'Dad' Johnson
- Colin BlakelyMaurice Braithwaite
- Vanda GodsellMrs Anne Weaver
- Anne CunninghamJudith
- Jack WatsonLen Miller
- Arthur LoweCharles Slomer
- Harry MarkhamWade
- George SewellJeff
- Leonard RossiterPhillips, Sports Writer
Details
- Released
- 7 February 1963
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Written by
- David Storey
- Budget
- $286K
Check ratings elsewhere
News & fan talk
What This Sporting Life is based on
This Sporting Life is based on This Sporting Life, a 1960 novel by David Storey.
Novel · 1960
This Sporting Life
By David Storey
Source details from Wikidata and TMDB.
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This Sporting Life: quick answers
Is This Sporting Life worth watching?
Our verdict is Worth the Hype: Clear your evening for this. It scores 7.0/10 from 127 TMDB viewer ratings.
How long is This Sporting Life?
This Sporting Life runs 134 minutes (2h 14m).
Does This Sporting Life have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for This Sporting Life. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
This Sporting Life parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
No age rating is listed for This Sporting Life yet.
Which OTT platform is This Sporting Life on?
This Sporting Life isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can watch it free or rent it or buy it online. (Checked 9 November 2026.)
What movies are like This Sporting Life?
If you liked This Sporting Life, try The Power of One, Drums Along the Mohawk, What Maisie Knew.
Who directed This Sporting Life?
This Sporting Life (1963) was directed by Lindsay Anderson and stars Richard Harris, Rachel Roberts, Alan Badel.
What is This Sporting Life based on?
This Sporting Life is based on This Sporting Life, a 1960 novel by David Storey.