Slap Shot (1977)

A failing ice hockey team finds success using constant fighting and violence during games.

Director:

George Roy Hill

Writer:

Nancy Dowd

Stars:

Paul Newman, Strother Martin, Michael Ontkean

1 win & 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Paul Newman	...	Reggie 'Reg' Dunlop
Strother Martin	...	Joe McGrath
Michael Ontkean	...	Ned Braden
Jennifer Warren	...	Francine Dunlop
Lindsay Crouse	...	Lily Braden
Jerry Houser	...	Dave 'Killer' Carlson
Andrew Duncan	...	Jim Carr
Jeff Carlson	...	Jeff Hanson
Steve Carlson	...	Steve Hanson
David Hanson	...	Jack Hanson
Yvon Barrette	...	Denis Lemieux
Allan F. Nicholls	...	Johnny Upton (as Allan Nicholls)
Brad Sullivan	...	Morris 'Mo' Wanchuk
Stephen Mendillo	...	Jim Ahern
Yvan Ponton	...	Jean-Guy Drouin

Storyline

Located in the US Rust Belt, Charlestown is home of the hapless Chiefs, a losing Federal League hockey team whose games are poorly attended. To make money, the team's unknown owner makes its manager, Joe McGrath, do cheesy publicity much to the players' chagrin. Rumors abound among the players that if the local mill closes, the team will fold. Just before the official announcement is made, the team's aging player/coach, Reggie Dunlop, does get wind that the mill is indeed closing and that this season will be the team's last. Beyond efforts to reconcile with his wife Francine, who loves Reggie but doesn't love his career, Reggie begins to focus on how to renew interest in the team for a possible sale as he knows if the team folds, his hockey career is over. Without telling anyone of his plan, he begins a rumor that the owner is negotiating a sale with a city in Florida. He also decides that "goon" hockey - most especially using the untapped talents of the recently acquired childlike ...

---

Plot Keywords:

ice hockey | small town | violence | team owner | siren | 

---

Taglines:

Slap Shot out slaps... out swears... out laughs...

---

Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Sport

---

Certificate:

R

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

25 February 1977 (USA)

Also Known As:

Schlappschuß

Filming Locations:

Hamilton, New York, USA

Box Office

Gross:

$28,000,000 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Kings Road Entertainment, Pan Arts, Universal Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

123 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Brothers Jack, Jeff Carlson and Steve Carlson were originally slated to play the Hanson brothers. However, Jack was called up by the Edmonton Oilers shortly before filming began. His part went to another member of the Johnstown Jets, David Hanson, who was supposed to play Dave "Killer" Carlson. Actor Jerry Houser was hired for that part.

---

Goofs

During the championship game, cardboard cutouts to fill in the "crowd" can be clearly seen in the upper levels of the arena.

---

Quotes

Jeff Hanson: Eddie Shore?
McGrath: Piss on Eddie Shore.
Steve Hanson: Old-time hockey?
McGrath: Piss on old-time hockey!

---

Crazy Credits

Special thanks to John Mitchell and his Johnstown Jets.

---

Connections

Referenced in Kings of the Road: The Story of the Portland Buckaroos (2010)

---

Soundtracks

"RIGHT BACK WHERE WE STARTED FROM"
Maxine Nightingale
United Artists Records
Written Pierre Tubbs and Vincent J. Edwards (uncredited)

User Reviews

Old-time hockey at its finest!!

I remember the first time I saw SLAP SHOT; I laughed so hard that I thought I was going to puke. The best thing about this movie is that all the banter between the players, the attitudes, and the jokes are ALL TRUE! I worked in the locker rooms for a minor-league hockey team and I saw every character in this movie: the aging veterans, the eccentric goalie, the lazy pretty-boy, the young players looking for a chance, etc. It is so true to life and accurate, moreso than any other sports related movie out there. And having all the actors do their own skating is a big plus also. I really can't find a fault with this flick.

And for my most favorite part of the movie? No question it is Moe Wanchuck! I have yet to find a character in any movie that everytime he open's his mouth, I go into hysterics. Along with Chunk from THE GOONIES and The Dude from THE BIG LEBOWSKI, Moe is up there towards the top of my list of favorite characters in any movie I have ever seen.

You know you have a classic film when the topic of SLAP SHOT comes up with your friends, or even people you have just met, and you spend hours reciting all your favorite quotes, trying to out-do each other. Do yourself a favor and see this movie so you can be part of the fun!