Blackball
“At Last, A Sportsman The British Can Be Proud Of”
Synopsis
Blackball follows the fortunes of Cliff Starkey, a working-class fine of lawn bowls with an exceptional talent. Wanting to take on the Aussies he manages to become regional champion, only to get banned. Sports agent Rich Schwartz picks him up and makes him so popular the Bowls Committee deem to lift the ban. Now the question is whether he can regain his form and his friends to beat the Aussies.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
National Lampoon's Blackball Official Trailer #1 - (2003) HD
Type: Trailer • Published 2011-09-01
Top Cast
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Paul Kaye
Cliff Starkey
Johnny Vegas
Trevor
James Cromwell
Ray Speight
Bernard Cribbins
Mutley
Alice Evans
Kerry
Vince Vaughn
Rick Schwartz
Imelda Staunton
Bridget
James Fleet
Alan the Pipe
Kenneth Cranham
Chairman Collins
Ian McNeice
Hugh The Sideburns
David Ryall
Giles Wilton
Terry Alderton
Bouncer Jonno
Meredith MacNeill
Suzi
Emma Amos
Local News Reporter
Paul Bentall
Gate Guard
Neil Conrich
Reporter Dave
Pamela Cundell
OAP
Josie D'Arby
Herself
Release History & Theatrical Window
May 18, 2003
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Financials & Box Office Performance
Production Budget
Undisclosed
Filming & production cost
Worldwide Gross
$48K
Total global ticket sales
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Mel Smith
- Screenplay & Story
- Tim Firth
- Original Score
- Stephen Warbeck
- Original Title
- Blackball
- Country of Origin
- United Kingdom, United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 36m
- Worldwide Gross
- $48K
- Production Studios
- Midfield Films, Icon Productions, Isle of Man Film, Inside Track, Working Title, Ingenious Film Partners
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Mel Smith
Tim Firth
Stephen Warbeck
Vernon Layton
Chris Blunden
James Gay-Rees, Mel Smith, Steve Christian, Bruce Davey, Duncan Reid
Department Leadership Roster
Tim Firth
Writer
James Gay-Rees
Producer
Mel Smith
Director
Stephen Warbeck
Original Music Composer
Chris Blunden
Editor
Vernon Layton
Director of Photography
Grenville Horner
Production Design
Nigel Egerton
Costume Design
Anja Mai
Costume Design
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
R: Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
International Certification Matrix
Suitable only for 15 years and over.
Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Blackball.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Blackball.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Blackball
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Blackball about?
Blackball follows the fortunes of Cliff Starkey, a working-class fine of lawn bowls with an exceptional talent. Wanting to take on the Aussies he manages to become regional champion, only to get banned. Sports agent Rich Schwartz picks him up and makes him so popular the Bowls Committee deem to lift the ban. Now the question is whether he can regain his form and his friends to beat the Aussies.
Who directed Blackball?
Blackball was directed by Mel Smith.
Who stars in Blackball?
The principal cast of Blackball includes Paul Kaye, Johnny Vegas, James Cromwell, Bernard Cribbins, Alice Evans.
When was Blackball released and how long is it?
Blackball was released in 2003 with a total runtime of 1h 36m.
How much did Blackball make at the box office?
Blackball grossed $48K in worldwide ticket sales.
Who composed the musical score for Blackball?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Blackball was composed by Stephen Warbeck.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Blackball?
Blackball holds official age classifications: GB: 15 (Suitable only for 15 years and over.); US: R (Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.).