The death of heralded actor Gene Hackman begs the question: Who was the superior coach, Norman Dale in “Hoosiers” or Jimmy McGinty in “The Replacements”?
Neither had much to work with.
Dale’s talent was thin beyond Jimmy Chitwood, who provided Hickory High School with a deadly scoring touch and a galvanizing presence but barely spoke the entire movie. Chitwood joining the team at mid-season also muddled Hickory’s team concept: Don’t pass the ball three times, just pass it to Jimmy.
McGinty had Shane Falco at quarterback, and we all remember what happened in that Sugar Bowl.
If Dale coached today, video of him punching his player at Ithaca College would have been all over the internet. He’d have never got a second chance, not even at a Podunk school like Hickory.
McGinty had staying power. He was solid, dependable, easily recycled, full of cliche-driven inspiration. A misfit to unite a group of misfits. McGinty had miles and miles of heart.
I’m not sure why Falco didn’t remain as Washington’s backup once Eddie Martel crossed the picket line. I’m not sure why Martel went scab after being pro-union to the point of flipping Falco’s truck in the parking lot. I’m even less sure how Falco got added to the roster at halftime of the final game, and why Pat Summerall and John Madden didn’t ask that question in the broadcast booth.
“The Replacements” was complicated.
“Hoosiers” a lot less so.
Jimmy said, “I’ll make it,” and he did. Concluding the final game’s thinly disguised race war.
Was Dennis Hopper’s character called “Shooter” because of his prowess shooting the basketball, or because he drank a lot of shooters?
No matter. Hickory gave Dale a second chance. Dale accorded that same courtesy to “Shooter” Flatch. Who turned out to be too drunk to coach.
The U.S. National Film Registry selected “Hoosiers” for preservation, calling it “culturally, historically and aesthetically significant.”
“The Replacements,” not so much.
Gene Hackman, R.I.P.
Let’s pay further tribute with this list of all-time great movie coaches. (Team sports only. No Mick from “Rocky” and certainly no Mr. Miyagi from “Karate Kid.” Like Johnny Lawrence, I’m tired of hearing that name.)
1. Reg Dunlop, Charlestown Chiefs, “Slap Shot.” Most folk heroes started out as criminals.
2. Patches O’Houlihan, Average Joe’s, “Dodgeball.” Nobody was a better teacher of violence, exclusion and degradation.
3. Norman Dale, Hickory High School, “Hoosiers.” His only mistake was waiting too long to kiss Myra Fleener — who, by the way, had an odd relationship with Jimmy.
4. Jackie Moon, Flint Tropics, “Semi-Pro.” Probably the best promoter in the league. Top three. Right up there.
5. Lou Brown, Cleveland Indians, “Major League.” Beat the New York Yankees and beat ownership that tried to sabotage him. Could also get you a deal on whitewalls.