The Firm (26 Feb. 1989)

This is the story of rival "Firms" of football (soccer) supporters, and how one man has a wish to team them up for the European Championships of 1988. However, when this is discussed, the ... See full summary »

Director:

Alan Clarke

Writer:

Al Ashton

Stars:

Gary Oldman, Lesley Manville, Philip Davis

Cast

Episode cast overview, first billed only:
Gary Oldman	...	Bex Bissell
Lesley Manville	...	Sue
Philip Davis	...	Yeti
Andrew Wilde	...	Oboe
Charles Lawson	...	Trigg
William Vanderpuye	...	Aitch
Jay Simpson	...	Dominic
Patrick Murray	...	Nunk
Robbie Gee	...	Snowy
Terry Sue Patt	...	Yusef
Nick Dunning	...	Simon
Nicholas Hewetson	...	Beef
Steve McFadden	...	Billy
Steve Sweeney	...	J.T
Hepburn Graham	...	Stu

Storyline

This is the story of rival "Firms" of football (soccer) supporters, and how one man has a wish to team them up for the European Championships of 1988. However, when this is discussed, the opposing leaders are not happy, as they believe this is a challenge to their authority. This Film shows how football violence has progressed from pure violence to a form of organized crime, to the extent that all the leaders know each others home phone / mobile phone numbers.

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Plot Keywords:

violence | football | soccer | hooligan | knife | 

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Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

26 February 1989 (UK)

Filming Locations:

Blackheath, London, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

70 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Goofs

The BMW 3 Series vandalized at the service station changes from a 1982 E30 model to an older 1975 E21 model when attacked.

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Quotes

Bex Bissell: That's almost funny.

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Connections

Remade as The Firm (2009)

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Soundtracks

"Colonel Bogey"
(uncredited)
Music by Kenneth Alford

User Reviews

Gritty, violent, gripping....

Finally got to re-watch this British classic on the newly released DVD, and it's as good as I remember it in 1988. Football hooligans strive for power, trying to prove themselves before a venture with their teams into Europe. Gary Oldman showed what a talent he was as the lead character Bex Bissell, estate agent by day, Inter City Crew leader by night (and Saturday afternoons of course!).The film is relentless in it's progress, keeping you gripped, and you see the commitment the characters have with their commitment to the cause. All the actors play their part, and the only critisism of the film is at 67 minutes it's too short-you want it to go on longer, but all in all, it is a classic, and well worth watching. 8/10.