No. 81. (2019) The Keeper (Trautmann). September 3rd.

Film No 81 (2019) Sept. 3rd.  4:00 AM  LUNA PALACE Leederville. 

"You think you can play football and everything is forgiven? Have you forgotten that you robbed us of our youth?" (An angry Margaret speaks her mind after learning her father had recruited Bert into the village football team).

An endearing, if mainly cheesy, yarn about a German WW2 POW who became one of the greatest football goalkeepers the world has seen. This German/U.K. co-production is, in the main, a love story. Legend has it that Bert overcame much adversity as an ex-POW then was suddenly plucked from his camp near Manchester to play first, club football, then subsequently playing for one of the nation's premier teams, Manchester City. I knew nothing of Bert Trautmann, and found the simple way The Keeper unfolded using David Kross as the likeable lead made for terrific entertainment. U.K. character actor John Henshaw thrives as village coach Jack Friar, the architect responsible for plucking Trautmann from scrubbing prison latrines to goalkeeping on the local pitch. Freya Maver is perfect as the coach's daughter who falls for Trautmann then ultimately becomes the wind beneath his wings as they team up to overcome all that life throws at them. This includes prejudices, tragedy, pain, and ultimately enduring love. A ripping yarn most handsomely told. 9GUMS.