Review by shell-26

The Final Test is probably unique in that it revolves around the final match in the career of an old cricketer. Jack Warner (of Dixon of Dock Green/The Blue Lamp fame) plays the cricketer who has had the misfortune to have fathered a poet.

His son wriggles out of watching his fathers final match in order to visit his own hero a poet played by the wonderful Robert Morley.

It is a charming light comedy which deals with the father/son relationship. Morley steals the show, as expected and the ending is suitable happy.

The real tragedy is that this is practically the only film to feature cricket when dozens have been made about baseball. Cricket contains all the metaphor and allegories that exist about life and the universe. In fact it is itself a branch of philosophy which can teach humankind the true path to enlightenment. It is not just an interesting way to hit a ball with a stick!

This film should have been the thin end of a very large and wonderful wedge. John Boormans "Hope and Glory" contains an excellent cricket scene. If anyone can suggest any other films with a cricketing theme I would be pleased to hear from you.