How Happy Does Paul Newman Look?
He was a Hollywood Icon: he was “Hud”, “The Hustler”, “Butch Cassidy” and more…a career filled with so many classic films….yet this was his favorite!
“Slap Shot!”
All year long, I am looking at some of the best film from the 70’s: some of serious, some artistic, and some just the most entertaining cinema you can find!
In 1977, one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, Paul Newman, showed his flair for comedy, and exuded his iconic cool, by starring in this tough, foul-mouthed comedy about hockey.
How “foul mouthed?” Even with a “R” rating, look at the poster above and the warning about the language!
Check out the trailer, which only hints at the mayhem to come:
The premise is simple, but hilarious: A failing ice hockey team signs the vicious Hanson brothers, who are good hockey players – and also see a hockey rink as a UFC ring! Here’s proof:
Newman is absolutely hilarious as the coach more than willing to go along – especially when he sees how these brothers approach the sport – skates sharp and out for blood!
All three Actors were real professional Hockey players, by the way – and here’s a funny anecdote thanks to IMDB.com:
During an interview a few years ago the “Hanson Brothers” (Steve & Jeff Carlson, Dave Hanson) were asked if they taught Paul Newman how to skate. They answered “We taught him how to act!”
This is a hilariously profane movie. I mean, PROFANE. The Hanson brothers love to fight, fight, fight – but they also love to curse, curse, curse…and Newman does too!
Here’s one hilarious moment. One referee skates over to the Brothers during the playing of the National Anthem to warn them this way:
Peterboro Referee: “I got my eye on the three of you. You pull one thing, you’re out of this game. I run a clean game here. I have any trouble here, I’ll suspend ya.”
What does one of them reply?
Steve Hanson: “I’m listening to the fucking song!”
The movie works because Newman goes all-in with the profanity, summed up by this short exchange he has with another Coach, who is trying to humiliate Newman, but it doesn’t work:
Tim McCracken: “Dunlop, you suck cock!”
Newman’s reply? “All I can get!”
And Newman says it with the vintage Paul Newman smile…hilarious!
Newman’s Favorite Film!
I love this – according to IMDB.com:
“The Actor stated on many occasions that he had more fun making this film than on any other film he starred in, and that it remained his favorite of his own films until his death.”
Paul Newman was a Hollywood legend, and a recent documentary series about his life is fascinating – click here to see more about it:
I you need more sports movies, I’ve got you covered:
For many, this was the greatest sport film ever – but there are so many just as good!
Click here to see some of the best!
And beyond sports films, what about sports legends?
Joe Namath actually wore a mink coat on the sidelines of a football game – and he could because he engineered the biggest upset in Super Bowl history – then went on to make a movie with Ann-Margret!
Click here to read the story of the legendary “Broadway Joe!”
And of course, if watching the Super Bowl recently got you in the mood for some movies about football, well I’ve got you covered as well:
From this energized film from Oliver Stone to “Jerry Maguire” and more, just click here for some of my favorite gridiron films!
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Let me know if you’ve seen “Slap Shot”!
Categories: 70's Cinema, Action Films, Comedy Movies, Cult Movies, Film Fight Club, Great Films, Movies, Pop Culture, Sports, Sports Movies, Talent/Celebrities
johnrieber 
Two of the best movies, Slap Shot (love the Hanson brothers) and Rocky. I didn’t know Slap Shot was Newman’s favorite. Thanks, John!
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Thanks for sharing! My neighbor, Carol Connors, was Oscar-nominated for the “Rocky” theme song “Gonna Fly Now” – she wrote the lyrics!
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That is just wonderful!
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Newman was great, but The Hanson Brothers stole the show in that film.
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They did indeed – and the film embraced that so well! Thanks for commenting!
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Jim Ahern: If Hanrahan’s wife’s a dyke, does that make him a fag?
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HA! It’s SO profane in the best way!
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so glad to hear it was his fav, it is also on my list of my top fav films.
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I went to see this on release in London. I went because of Newman, but did not expect to like it, as it was about an American sport. However, I really enjoyed it! 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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