SLAP SHOT, The Best Hockey Movie Ever, Came Out 45 Years Ago Today
SLAP SHOT, the greatest hockey movie ever made, was released 45 years ago today (the raucous comedy can also make a claim as the best sports movie ever). Starring Paul Newman as player/coach Reg Dunlop, SLAP SHOT is about a struggling minor league team that incorporates a new style of play (read: violent) to win over fans. Screenwriter Nancy Dowd used her brother Ned's minor league experiences to inform her sharp script. It turned out to be pretty prescient when it came to team financial struggles, shitty owners, and...going into the crowd to pummel asshole fans.
While it made made a decent amount of money, it wasn't a blockbuster and critics weren't blown away. But over the ensuing years, SLAP SHOT has become one of the most beloved classics ever (it's much more than a 'cult classic'). Foul-mouthed, funny, and fight-filled, it became mandatory viewing for anybody even tangentially associated with hockey and a staple for road trip VCRs everywhere.
I can't tell you exactly how many times I watched SLAP SHOT in the '70s and '80s on VHS/HBO but it's definitely several dozen. And I still make sure to fire it up every once in awhile because it's still so goddamn funny.
Holy fuck, was Paul Newman a stud.
Number 7 on the Hyannisport Presidents was played by none other than Vancouver Canucks coach Bruce Boudreau. His apartment was used for Reg Dunlop's apartment in the movie because it had the 'not exactly chic' look they were going for.
Newman may have been the big star but these three stole the movie.
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Gotta love the downtown porn theater.
Here's a good piece with Dave Hanson (Jack Hanson) on the 45th anniversary.
We had him on Spittin' Chiclets a couple of years ago as well.
I want to send best wishes to Steve Carlson (Steve Hanson in movie), who is battling cancer as well as the associated financial burden that comes with it.
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Click here if you'd like to help him out. Get well, brother. The entire Chiclets family is pulling for you.
The only place it's currently streaming is Peacock or you rent/buy it in the usual places. Hopefully this blog captured the spirit of the thing.