Sports films are a popular genre. They can be comedy, drama, historical, fantasy, even futuristic. A good sports film has a strong story leading to a big game or critical event. In a memorable film there are learning moments, characters overcoming loss or setback, and absorbing action.
Slap Shot (1977) Paul Newman, Strother Martin and the Hanson Brothers play for the Federal League’s Charlestown Chiefs, a losing team about to fold. Coach Reggie Dunlop (Newman) has a different idea. Directed by George Roy Hill (Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid).
Rollerball (1975) James Caan, Mose Gunn, John Houseman. Directed by Norman Jewison, this is a futuristic, science fiction film about the world’s most popular and dangerous game. The team is owned by a powerful corporation whose owner objects to the growing popularity of his star player.
Le Mans (1971) Racing films were the rage in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Steve McQueen stars in this film about the 24 hours of Le Mans, much of which was actual race footage. Originally, John Sturges directed, but he left the film and was replaced Lee H. Katzin. There’s a great documentary about the making of this film. Steve McQueen: The Man & Le Man. McQueen, Paul Newman and James Garner all produced and starred in racing films.
The Longest Yard (1974) Burt Reynolds, Eddie Albert and a host of character actors and former football stars. Directed by Robert Aldrich. Comedy, drama, action. Will he or won’t he score the winning touchdown over the guards?
Heaven Can Wait (1978) Warren Beatty, James Mason, Charles Grodin, Jack Warden, Julie Christie. Co-written and directed by Beatty. A remake of an older film, Beatty is a quarterback that “dies” mistakenly and demands to return to Earth. Unfortunately, his body has been cremated, so he must find another living body, about to die, so he can take over that life and somehow resume his football career. Only in Hollywood or heaven can this all be accomplished and result in a terrific film.
Brian’s Song (1971; ABC TV Movie) James Caan, Billy Dee Williams, Jack Warden in a Movie of the Week. The true story of the friendship between Chicago Bears running backs Brian Piccolo and Gale Sayers. Adapted from Sayers’ book, I Am Third.
North Texas Forty (1979) Nick Nolte and Mac Davis in a film based on the book by former Dallas Cowboy player Peter Gent, and directed by Ted Kotcheff. An aging wide receiver is at odds with his head coach and organization over what it takes to win, and be good team player. Elliott is a finesse player, who gets by on crafty route running and great hands. His friend and quarterback bends to the organization, leaving Elliott to decide if he wants to “play” the game or be true to himself.
The Great White Hope (1970) James Earl Jones, Jane Alexander. Directed by Martin Ritt. A fictionalized story of boxer Jack Johnson, the first African American heavyweight boxing champion, whose success sparked a strong backlash in and out of the ring.
Breaking Away (1979) Dennis Quaid, Daniel Stern, Jackie Earle Haley, Dennis Christopher. Directed by Peter Yates. Four friends, who live in a college town complete in a bicycle race including a famed Italian racing team. A heartwarming story of friendship and rising above your own expectations.
The Bad News Bears (1976) Walter Matthau, Vic Morrow, Tatum O’Neal in Michael Ritchie’s wonderful and funny film of a ragtag kids baseball team. This film makes some important messages about sports, but more importantly about winning and losing, on and off the field.
Bang the Drum Slowly (1973) Many have never heard of this Robert De Niro film, the follows the friendship between a star pitcher and his terminally-ill catcher on a fictional Major League Baseball team. Based on a 1955 film, it was 90 percent score on rottentamatoes.com and praised by critics, not so much for the baseball accuracy, but for the relationship between the friends.
The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings (1976) James Earl Jones, Richard Pryor, Billy Dee Williams. A traveling group of negro baseball players, kicked out of the league, find games in small towns across the country to support themselves and stay ahead of thugs hired by a corrupt team owner. A comedy with a heart.
Baker’s Dozen Bonus Pick
Paper Lion (1968) Alan Alda, Lauren Hutton, Alex Karras. Loosely based on writer George Plimpton’s book of his experience of training camp with the Detroit Lions, trying out to be a quarterback.
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Yes, there are a few high profile films missing from my list. Films I don’t much like. Can you which ones they are?
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