Best – His Mother’s Son (BBC-2 2009, Michelle Fairley, Tom Payne)

Period drama Best – His Mother’s Son tells the story of soccer legend George Best from 1966 to 1974, the years that without question saw him in his prime. The drama though is just as much about how his family, especially his mother Ann, cope with his superstardom. He was the first English soccer player to be given pop star status and it was hard for his family to continue with their everyday life at times. His mother slowly sinks into alcoholism, much like George himself does.

In 1974 Best effectively retired from football and despite several comebacks he would never achieve again the same level of greatness. Ann Best basically drank herself to death, she died at the age of 54 (she was actually tee total until her forties and didn’t actually drink until George moved to the UK to begin his football career).

This was a very strong drama with spot on production design as the drama moves from the sixties to the seventies. Sometimes hard to watch but brilliant performances all round especially from Michelle Fairley as Mrs Best. There was also some great archive footage mixed in with the dramatic moments.

production details
UK / BBC Two – BBC Northern Ireland / 1×90 minute episode / Broadcast Sunday 26 April 2009 @ 9.00pm

Writer: Terry Cafolla / Producer and Director: Colin Barr

cast
MICHELLE FAIRLEY as Ann Best
TOM PAYNE as George Best
LORCAN CRANITCH as Dickie Best
BRONAGH TAGGART as Ruby Emerson
LAURA DONNELLY as Barbara Best
LISA HOGG as Carol Best
BRIAN DEVLIN as Neighbour
CATHERINE QUINN as Grace Best
AMY QUINN as Julie Best
LUKE DE WOOLFSON as Dave Sadler
TESSA NICHOLSON as Girl in Nightclub
DES McALEER as Matt Busby
MICHAEL LIEBMANN as Man on Bus
JAMES DORAN as Taxi Driver
MICHELLE FORBES as Mrs Fullaway
PAUL KENNEDY as Journalist
NIAMH McGRADY as Martha Devine
RICHARD DORMER as Advert Director
ANNEMARIE GAILLARD as Girl With Baby