OPENING NIGHT
THE KEEPER
When love blossoms between a young Englishwoman and a German PoW in post-war Britain, they must overcome prejudice, public hostility and personal tragedy in this epic drama based on the incredible true story of legendary soccer player Bert Trautmann. Against a backdrop of British post-war protest and prejudice, Trautmann, a German soldier and prisoner of war, secures the position of goalkeeper at Manchester City, and in so doing, becomes a soccer icon. His signing causes outrage to thousands of fans, many of them Jewish. But support comes from an unexpected source: a remarkable open letter to the press from Manchester’s communal rabbi, Alexander Altmann, asking for Trautmann to be given a chance. Bert’s love for Margaret carries him through and he wins over even his harshest opponents by winning the 1956 FA Cup Final, playing on with a broken neck to secure victory. But fate will soon twist the knife for Bert and Margaret, when their love and loyalty to each other is put to the ultimate test.
