Slap Shot
Charlestown, located in the US Rust Belt is the home of the Chiefs, an unprofitable Federal League hockey team. Their games draw a small crowd. The unknown owner of the team makes Joe McGrath do cheap publicity to make some money. This is much to the dismay of the players. There are rumors among players that the team may fold if the local mill is closed. Reggie Dunlop (the team’s coach and player) discovers that the local mill will close soon. This season will mark the end of the club’s existence. Reggie also tries to make peace with Francine, his wife, but he doesn’t really love Reggie. He begins to think about how to revive interest in the team to sell it. After all, if Reggie loses the hockey team, his life is done. He tells no one about his plans and begins to rumor that the owner wants to sell the team. The owner decides “goon hockey” is the best way to revive local interest, especially with the help of the newly acquired Hanson brothers. The team attracts new fans and sells out their away games. They also win which fuels the speculation of a sale. Ned Braden is the only member of the team who does not like this style. He’s a college graduate and plays it because he enjoys it. He is a hockey player against his wife Lily’s wishes. Lily hates Charlestown and the idea of being a hockey spouse. Reggie meets his owner, and learns more about the motivations behind the owners of the team. Ned may have a surprising way of helping them achieve their goals, based on his opinions about hockey. –Huggo
Director: George Roy Hill
Actors: Andrew Duncan, Jennifer Warren, Jerry Houser, Lindsay Crouse, Michael Ontkean, Paul Newman, Strother Martin
Country: United States
