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Fever Pitch (1997 film)
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Wikipedia article
'Fever Pitch' is a 1997 film starring Colin Firth and Ruth Gemmell, based loosely on Nick Hornby's best-selling memoir, 'Fever Pitch: A Fan's Life' (1992).
Plot
Hornby adapted the book for the screen and fictionalised the story, concentrating on Arsenal's First Division championship-winning season in 198889 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 20 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
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