John Godber Movies

John Godber scripted and made his directorial debut with this adaptation of his 1984 play about an amateur rugby team. Decorator and ex-Rugby League player Arthur (Gary Olsen) accepts a high-stakes bet from Reg Welch (Tony Slattery), manager of the tough Cobbler Arms team. Arthur must train a team to beat the Cobbler Arms, and he chooses the weak Wheatsheaf Arms losers, a motley crew who would rather quaff at the local pub. They're uncooperative -- until Arthur introduces them to their new fitness instructor, attractive gym-owner Hazel (Samantha Janus of the Game On comedy series). The training sessions get underway, with Arthur keeping his big bet a secret from all concerned. Set in West Yorkshire, the film was actually shot in Cardiff, Wales. ~ Bhob Stewart, Rovi

Created by Phil Redmond, the long-running, youth-oriented British soap opera Grange Hill first aired on February 8, 1978. The title of this BBC1 effort referred to an inner-city comprehensive (or high) school, where a diverse group of teachers held court over an ever-changing collection of students. Inasmuch as the kids were obsessed with such vital issues as status and sex, this was the sort of program that British youngsters watched religiously, even when Mum and Dad ordered them not to. Although few of the many Grange Hill regulars went on to lasting stardom, they were extremely popular during their tenure on the series. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi