Rotherham's black football pioneer hits the screen

Rise of the North Star recounts the story of Arthur Wharton, who played for Rotherham Town from 1889.

The movie—which cost just £250 to make—gives an evocative snapshot of how the legendary goalie dealt with racial prejudice.

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It was directed by quarry inspector Mike Tweddle who said: “It only took two days to complete but a lot of hard work went into the project.

“We were going to use a local football club but we had to look elsewhere as they were hosting a wild west convention.

“We ended up at a school playing field but that, to my mind, made it more authentic. It is an amazing story but also a sad one as he ended up destitute.”

Ghana-born Wharton arrived in the UK in 1882 to train as a missionary, but sport began to dominate his life.

He made his name in Darlington, where the ten-minute movie was set and filmed, before turning fully professional with Rotherham.

Wharton also turned out for Sheffield United and Preston North End and became the first 100 yards world record holder in 1886.

Shaun Campbell, who set up the Arthur Wharton Foundation and sings on the soundtrack, was thrilled with Rise of the North Star.

He said: “I found the film quite moving. Maybe that was because it involved local people using local resources.

“It was made on an extremely low budget yet the passion and commitment involved was a wonderful testament to Arthur Wharton.

“The mood and the theme of the film was just right. It did feel as if it was set in the correct time frame. They did a very good job in that respect.”

Darlington Railway Museum was another backdrop as Phil Haymer, a council events officer, plays the lead role.

Wharton spent most of his working life as a colliery haulage hand in South Yorkshire.

He fell on hard times and was buried in an unmarked grave at Edlington, until Football Unites Racism Divides provided a headstone.

Arthur’s oldest living relative, 80-year-old Sheila Wharton, is looking forward to seeing the film.

Millers fan Sheila, of Masbrough, is also kept up to date with efforts to honour her  grandfather through FURD.

She said: “I went to a meeting last month where they discussed what people were doing. There was a genealogist and historian there who have been doing research.

“There was also a man there who’d been to Ghana and met two of Arthur’s cousins. I showed him photos of Arthur’s sisters and he said there was a definite likeness.

“They are talking about a play as well, there’s lots of ideas being put forward. Every so often it seems to die down, then it comes to the fore again and seems to snowball.

“FURD have kept me involved and updated and I’m so grateful to them for that.”

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