Project Description
Still, Outside Bet, 2012.
Set against the turbulent mid 80’s of money, privatisation, unions and dramatic media evolution: A life-long group of friends find themselves at the bad end of a redundancy pay-out and invest their savings into a racehorse, hoping that one final race can turn their fortunes around.
Based on the novel The Mumper by Mark Baxter, the story is set against the backdrop of South East London during the Wapping strikes. The central character is a print man on the picket line, who over a chance encounter, comes into the possession of a racehorse. Based on a true story, the film takes place around ‘Smudges’ home, in the pubs and streets around the Walworth Road.
Outside Bet, stars Bob Hoskins in the role as Percy ‘Smudge’ Smith, with guest appearances by Rita Tushingham and Dudley Sutton. The soundtrack features as title song ‘No Need To Be Alone’ by Paul Weller. The film was directed by Sacha Bennett and adapted for the screen by Sacha Bennett, Paolo Hewitt and Nigel Smith. Produced by Gateway Films and Talent Films, the film secured a commercial release in cinemas in the UK with Universal Pictures.
