Bobby Moore documentary begins production

Production is set to begin next month on a feature-length documentary celebrating the life of the golden boy of English football, Bobby Moore, who captained the national side to a historic victory in the 1966 World Cup Final.

Timeless Films will make the untitled film, in which archive footage of Moore’s life and times will blend with interviews, old and new, and the real stories behind Moore’s footballing glory; his battles with two bouts of cancer; the facts that led to false accusations about a stolen bracelet; and the failure to give a homegrown hero anything like the respect he deserved in later life.

Written and produced by football journalist and TV presenter Matt Lorenzo, it will be directed by Finn McGough, who will also co-write with Lorenzo.

Producer is Ralph Kamp (Postman Pat: The Movie, Manchester United: Beyond the Promised Land) of Timeless Films, which is also handling worldwide sales. Entertainment One (eOne) will distribute the film in the UK.

The documentary will be released in the summer of 2016, the 50^th anniversary of England’s World Cup win at Wembley. It will be launched with a world charity premiere in aid of the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK. The charity will also receive a percentage of the profits from the film.

Lorenzo, who knew Moore through his father, football commentator and reporter Peter Lorenzo, said: “He was a kind, humble man who always had time for people. I can’t think of any greater hero in our national game. To have known him personally only deepens my admiration. His was a life touched with glory, struggle, tremendous challenges and, towards the end, ill-deserved disappointment.”

Director McGough said: “Sadly, I hadn’t taken my first breath when England won the World Cup and would likely be advised not to hold it until they next do. For many of us born post 1966 Bobby Moore is a sporting hero but still somewhat of an enigma.

“With 2016 marking half a century since that historic win, now is the perfect opportunity to present the iconic image of the only English captain to have held the World Cup aloft. Weaving interviews, previously unseen footage, and new sequences our film will bring his dramatic story vividly to life.”

Bobby’s widow and founder of the Fund, Stephanie Moore, has given the film her blessing and offered her full support. The project is also fully endorsed by the Football Association.