This film is part of Free
Cricket on Test
From village green to Lord's: the late, great Richie Benaud narrates a guide to the state of cricket in England.
Overview
The great Richie Benaud was still better known as a cricketer than a commentator when he narrated this edition of Rank's Look at Life cinemagazine. The film provides a guide to cricket in England 1965, asking if the game is too slow and missing the spirit of fun and enjoyment so evident in Jamaica. From Broadhalfpenny Down - the so-called cradle of cricket in Hambledon, Hampshire - to a village game in Nettlebed and cricket's "centre of gravity", Lord's, the history and rituals of the game are explored. But there's an eye on the future too: the next generation of cricketers are taken in hand, with expert coaching from experienced players like Bill Voce.
Related
Prince Ranjitsinhji Practising Batting at the Nets Prince Ranjitsinhji Practising Batting at the Nets
Sport 1897 1 mins Silent
Probably the first ever cricket film: Indian cricketing royalty prepares for the first test between England and Australia at Sydney.
Ian and Viv Ian and Viv
News 1980 6 mins Location: Taunton
Interview with International and Somerset cricketers Ian Botham and Viv Richards
Cricket Notes 1924 Cricket Notes 1924
Animation & Artists Moving Image 1924 1 mins Silent
Rain may stop play, but never the British sense of humour.
Women Cricketers: Kent V. Australia Women Cricketers: Kent V. Australia
1951 1 mins Silent
Sevenoaks Vine Cricket Club hosts a women's cricket match between the Kent XI and the touring Australian team.
Mike Atherton on BFI's Cricket on Film Mike Atherton on BFI's Cricket on Film
Short documentary 2016 12 mins
Cricketing legend Mike Atherton joins BFI senior curator Steve Bryant on a tour through a century of cricket on film.
Sussex County Cricket Match Sussex County Cricket Match
Amateur film 1960 7 mins Silent Location: Horley
First-class big-hitters from the county team, including Rupert Webb, take on Horley in this exciting colour film from 1960’s Sussex
Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 24 mins
Daniel Kokotajlo talks to Nia Childs about Starve Acre, his folk horror about a couple digging deep into grief in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.
Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 30 mins
Sky Peals director Moin Hussain and lead actor Faraz Ayub talk to Tomisin Adepeju about their magic realist drama.
Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell
Documentary 2024 42 mins
Documentary exploring the BFI National Archive’s role in rediscovering and remastering the early films of Michael Powell.
Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels
Short documentary 2024 12 mins
Bryony Dixon, curator of silent film at the BFI national archive, explores the origins of a series of comic travelogues, and Michael Powell's involvement in making them.
New Perspectives: Oldboy New Perspectives: Oldboy
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Discover why Dan George of Northumbria University believes everyone should experience Oldboy at least once.
New Perspectives: Wings of Desire New Perspectives: Wings of Desire
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Trixie Parkin-Christie of Northumbria University offers fresh insight into why Wings of Desire remains essential viewing.