John McEnery

Italian director Franco Zeffirelli stunned the screen world when he cast two young unknowns to portray the star-crossed lovers in Romeo & Juliet, but it was a gamble that resulted in one of the most popular motion pictures of all time.

The classic tragedy, based on Thomas Hardy’s novel, about a free spirit, Tess, torn between a wealthy, scheming cousin and a handsome, smart farmer.

A rebellious, hard-drinking brewery worker with a knack for soccer catches a scout’s eye and gets a shot at going pro, playing for Sheffield United.