29th December sees the release of CASS on DVD in the UK. This film is a dramatisation of the events surrounding the life of Cass Pennant, who was one of the leading figures in the West Ham ICF (Inter City Firm); one of the most feared gangs of football hooligans.
Cass (played here by Nonson Anozie) was placed in a Dr. Banardos orphanage in London in the '50s, and adopted by a white couple. While 
growing up, Cass was plagued by constant racist bullying, but went on to become a terrace legend while attending West Ham football matches. By all accounts, CASS is a compelling film, charting issues of class, race and masculinity across almost four decades and is sure to be hard-hitting in its depiction of soccer violence. For sure, those who were around at the time will recall trips to Upton Park and vouch for the fact that Pennant and co could always be relied on to make life extremely uncomfortable (and that's putting it mildly). Expect a review early in the New Year.
growing up, Cass was plagued by constant racist bullying, but went on to become a terrace legend while attending West Ham football matches. By all accounts, CASS is a compelling film, charting issues of class, race and masculinity across almost four decades and is sure to be hard-hitting in its depiction of soccer violence. For sure, those who were around at the time will recall trips to Upton Park and vouch for the fact that Pennant and co could always be relied on to make life extremely uncomfortable (and that's putting it mildly). Expect a review early in the New Year.While you're waiting for the film, check out Pennant's 'Congratulations You Have Just Met The ICF' book.
I have no clue who he is. It sounds like an interesting story though.
ReplyDeleteHe's only really known to those who were active in or familiar with crowd violence at English football matches. Some of those involved wrote books about their experiences, and a few films have now evolved. Some of the books seem like honest accounts, others often verge on the realms of fiction. Over 40 years on, hooliganism is still with us, though not on the same huge scale as it was when I first started attending games.
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