Old Scores
A rugby rematch 25 years in the making.
Old Scores, a 1991 co-production between New Zealand and Wales, revolves around rugby union. Its supporting cast includes numerous international players from both nations. Though initially planned for New Zealand cinemas, it aired as a television movie in Wales. Alan Clayton directed, with a script by New Zealanders Dean Parker and Greg McGee.
Quick Facts
- Director
- Alan Clayton
- Producer
- Don Reynolds
- Writer
- Greg McGee; Dean Parker
- Music
- Wayne Warlowe
- Cinematography
- Allen Guilford
- Editor
- Michael Horton; Jamie Selkirk
- Company
- HTV Cymru Wales; South Pacific Pictures
- Network
- ITV
Facts from the source article.
Plot
The plot revolves around a controversial fictional rugby match in 1966 between Wales and New Zealand, which Wales won. On his death-bed, the touch judge confesses to failing to disallow the winning try for an infringement by the Welsh scorer. The Welsh Rugby Union president announces a rematch between the two teams using the same players from 25 years earlier. The teams reassemble, bringing with them unfitness and personal conflicts, notably a falling-out between Welsh star players Bleddyn Morgan and David Llewellyn, whose friendship ended acrimoniously. Morgan had moved to New Zealand and initially refuses to play, later revealed to be due to a love triangle involving Llewellyn's fiancée Bronwen. He is persuaded to play for his country, but acrimony threatens the team's performance. The film blends drama and comedy, focusing on the players' struggles with middle-aged bodies and changes in rugby from amateur to big business. The New Zealand team includes a peace-loving Salvation Army officer, a vote-grabbing politician, and a homeless drunk, all coached by "Acid," a caricature of All Blacks coach Fred Allen. The replayed game occurs at Cardiff Arms Park. The match ball is replaced by Wales's lucky ball "Old Lucky," an antique from the Welsh Rugby Museum. With scores tied, a shot at goal causes the ancient leather ball to deflate and land limply on the crossbar. The final scene shows an official review deciding the match should be replayed again.
Cast
The cast mixes experienced New Zealand actors such as John Bach (Welsh-born) and Martyn Sanderson with many rugby players from the 1960s and 70s in supporting roles, mostly non-speaking. Players include New Zealand's Ian Kirkpatrick, Waka Nathan, Grahame Thorne, and Alex Wyllie, and Wales's Phil Bennett, Gerald Davies, Mervyn Davies, Gareth Edwards, and others. 1990s All Black Steve McDowall appears and acted as choreographer for rugby match scenes, and New Zealand rugby commentator Keith Quinn also appears.
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