Biography of pro basketball player "Pistol" Pete Maravich, who died suddenly in 1988 at age 40 from a heart attack.
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Title: The Pistol: The Birth of a Legend (1991)
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Cast
| Credited cast: | |||
| Millie Perkins | ... | Helen Maravich | |
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Nick Benedict | ... | Press Maravich |
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Adam Guier | ... | Pete Maravich |
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Murrell Garland | ... | Coach Pendleton |
| Tom Lester | ... | Pete as adult | |
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Buddy Petrie | ... | Buddy Pendleton |
| Darrel Campbell | ... | Carl Connfield | |
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Wendy Leblanc | ... | Sandy |
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John Richardson | ... | Moose |
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Rodney Stone | ||
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Eddie Hailey | ||
| Rest of cast listed alphabetically: | |||
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Nick Cardona | ... | Postman |
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John Lewis | ... | Reporter |
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John Raymond | ... | Clemson College basketball player |
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Melinda Walsh | ... | Rachel |
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Plot Summary
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Storyline
A story about the great basketball player "Pistol" Pete Maravich when he was in the eighth grade. He plays on the varsity basketball team at Daniel High School but has some very difficult obstacles standing in his way of playing. The only support he has is from his father, retired basketball pro Press Maravich. Written by Alan Holasek
Taglines:
He was a little kid with big dreams. See more »Parents Guide:
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Details
Country:
USALanguage:
EnglishRelease Date:
25 January 1991 (USA) See more »Also Known As:
El mago de la N.B.A. See more »Company Credits
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Technical Specs
Runtime:
Color:
Color
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Pete Maravich: He did?
Press Maravich: Of course, he never took the time to see me play either.
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Performed by Carl Shillo
Written by Carl Shillo and Brian MacDonald
Published by Uncle Josh's Song Emporium, Inc.
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Did You Know?
Trivia
The basketball goal used by Pete (Adam Guier) is hanging inside the historic Ponchatoula Country Market in Ponchatoula, Louisiana, where the movie was filmed. The market is located inside a historic train depot built in the 19th century. See more »Goofs
A package of Marlboro "Light" cigarettes is clearly visible in the pocket of young Pete's father. That product would not be introduced for years. See more »Quotes
Press Maravich: You know, a guy once said I had a loose screw when I told him I wanted to play in the pros.Pete Maravich: He did?
Press Maravich: Of course, he never took the time to see me play either.
See more »
Soundtracks
You Got ThatPerformed by Carl Shillo
Written by Carl Shillo and Brian MacDonald
Published by Uncle Josh's Song Emporium, Inc.
See more »
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Pete Maravich was an amazing player--a guy whose college basketball average was a shade over 44 points per game! In the pros, he was also an amazing player and I was fortunate enough to be able to see him play when I was a kid. Unfortunately, Maravich died during a pick-up game when he was only 40--dead due to an undiagnosed heart ailment. This movie about his experience playing first year varsity basketball is a homage to his talents, though I think the man probably deserved a bit better than this.
The boy playing Maravich, Adam Guier, was terrific. His ability to handle the ball made him a joy to watch. So why am I a bit cold about this movie? Well, the script and especially the style of the film are a bit wanting. The film too often relies on hip music, montages and clichés. Additionally, while I am sure Maravich was incredible at this age, the film never shows him once missing a shot...not even once out of several dozen shots!! This all work together to create a film that might entertain kids but which also just cannot be taken very seriously. Not a bad film...just not a very impressive one either.
By the way, the choice of the narrator was interesting. Tom Lester (Eb Dawson from "Green Acres") was chosen and it did make me laugh to hear him speaking as the grown up Maravich.