In 1950’s Belfast, a young talented footballer must use his genius to battle the perils of fame and achieve greatness. The Swinging Sixties built up their first footballing rock star with a blistering soundtrack of sex, booze and colour. Thefilm interweaves together dramatic reenactments into a framework of electrifying archive footage to tell the story of one of the world’s most treasured footballers.

SYNOPSIS

We meet George as a shy boy, growing up and playing football on the streets of Cregagh, East Belfast. The Sixties are just around the corner. Full of charm, ability, ambition and determination, George also demonstrates the self-awareness to define a path up the ladder of his chosen profession. 12 years old, when we encounter him, the top club scouts hear of his beguiling play and come to assess George. His stick-thin physique dissuades them that he could ever make the grade in the cut and thrust of England’s First Division. One scout, undeniable to this scrawny youngster and takes a chance that his unique gift can conquer all. Bishop dials in a telegram to his manager Busby concisely reading: “I think I’ve found you a genius.” Best turns up to meet his manager at the gates of storied Old Trafford, ready to write his own fresh chapter. History begets hysteria as this drama based biopic unfolds.

At 17,he makes his full professional debut for the Red Devils and this is when we move from the cinematic component of the film. From here, George takes over via key footballing moments, insightful interviews and unseen footage. A voiceover, both from Best and other commentators pivotal to his journey, will drive the narrative forward in this documentary-style section where authenticity is paramount. Through the honesty of his own lips and the eyes of others, George becomes entangled in a downward spiral towards his doom, unable to resist the temptations and pressures of the period which were uniquely impinging on him.

PRODUCER: Stephen Evans

Stephen Evans is a highly established UK film producer of 18 feature films, which have received 11 Oscar nominations, 2 Oscar wins and a BAFTA for Best Film. Stephen began his career in the City of London and became a member of the London Stock Exchange in1973. In 1989, he teamed up with Kenneth Branagh and made classic movies such as Henry V and Peter’s Friends. From 1994, Stephen cemented his position at the vanguard of UK film production with a string of successful movies including The Madness of King George, The Wings of the Dove and Confessions of a Dangerous Mind. His film Seve: The Movie, a biopic on the great Spanish golfer Seve Ballesteros, was released to acclaim by top UK distributor Entertainment Films and is being distributed internationally by MGM. He has also recently executive produced John Hurt’s last movie That Good Night.

GENRE:

Biopic / Drama Feature Film