Yesterday's Hero 1979

From the pen of Jackie Collins, the story of a fallen super-star and his struggle back to the top.

4.5 / 10   4 vote(s)
Drama

Successful soccer player Rod Turner spirals into drunken self-pity until he develops a friendship with an inspirational orphan and a beautiful singer. Learning from them what truly matters in life, Rod regroups and returns to form.

Release Date 1979-04-24
Runtime 1h 35m
Directors Neil Leifer, Brian West, Ken Baker, Gerry Toomey, Michael Zimbrich, Keith Pain, Stanley Myers
Producers Denis Holt, Elliott Kastner
Writer Jackie Collins

Banal and cliched story of former great footballer, now alcoholic and playing non-league, who is given a lifeline by pop star Nicholas, owner of a team on the rise and in the midst of a cup run. Bleary egomaniac McShane treats his lady friends callously but old flame Somers, now singing partner to Nicholas, somehow convinces him to reform and shape up. Faith is the coach forced to accept him. Pitches were muddy in those days and pop duos were as bland as ever. Written by Jackie Collins, so the characters are cliched and one-dimensional, while the situations are turgid. Nicholas and Somers enthusiastically perform several upbeat pop songs. McShane looks the part of an out of shape sportsman and Faith is on target as a frustated cockney coach. The football scenes offer the only excitement here. Can McShane stay off the bottle long enough and learn to co-operate with others to help his team win?

dennyjt