Welcome to the eighth edition of PoolSynergy, a monthly collection of the best writing on pool. This month’s theme is “How Can We Fix Pool?” hosted by BD columnist, author, and billiards blogger/historian, R.A. “Jake” Dyer. If you’ve never checked out his site, just bookmark it right now! It’s the best place to find the most rare and unique billiard photos, videos, and stories.
Is pool dead?
When I first learned of this month’s topic, immediately I searched for someone who could guest write for me. No way could I cover such a monster subject in one single blog post. Then, when he elaborated, “What’s wrong with our sport and what do we need to do to get back on track?” Oh yeah, I was certain I would be hosting a guest writer this month. I’m still not sure at this point if I will do this topic justice but here we go…
Everyone has their own ideas of how we need to more money to tournaments, treat each other with respect, introduce new players to the game, etc. etc. All of those concepts are super and definitely make great sense, but in the big picture, I have my own take on how to ‘fix pool.’ It’s a bit far-fetched, but ya never know!
Whenever I think of our poor, starving sport, I can’t help but be reminded of this great quote from the Joker in Batman (except, replace the word “town” with “industry”):
And, speaking of movies, that’s the perfect segue way to my proposed fix.
At Mike’s house, he has beautifully framed b/w photos of Jackie Gleason and Paul Newman. About a year ago, I was sitting in this chair just below Paul when one day, I looked up and, I know this is crazy, but Paul Newman spoke to me. He didn’t “speak” to me in a I-should-be-institutionalized sort of way, but he “spoke” to me like I could feel his presence and energy through that photograph and that he was sending me a message.
The message was simple and very clear… It’s time for another movie.
Think about it…
1961
The Hustler comes out. Based on American novelist Walter Trevis’s 1959 first book, “Fast Eddie” Felson instantly became a household name. Pool rooms were hoppin’ and times were great for everyone.
Fast forward 25 years…
1986
The Color of Money was released based on Trevis’s final novel before his failed battle with lung cancer. In this movie, we see the return of Fast Eddie and we meet Vincent Lauria.
Fast forward another 25 years…
2011
The next great pool movie comes out and resuscitates the billiard world once again with a live jolt from the electric paddles of mainstream media. That’s exactly what our dying industry needs!
IMHO, we need another Color of Money!
How Can We Fix Pool?
Had the brilliant author not died at such a young age, perhaps he could have graced us with a complete trilogy. And, Fast Eddie died with Paul Newman. But alas, we still have Vincent…
BilliardBoys.com has done a fantastic job of cataloging all the billiard flicks (and some TV episodes) from 1915 to present. Obviously, some were much more memorable than others.
Though Trevis and Newman are no longer with us, Cruise still is. To answer the questions posed by our wise host this month…
How Can We Fix Pool?
We bring back the most recognized movie character of any billiard film and complete the trilogy.
What’s wrong with our sport?
It’s dying… Kids would rather play video games and spectators would rather watch faster-paced sports.
What do we need to do to get back on track?
We need positive mainstream exposure. We need pop culture references. We need to be respected as a real sport. We need another Color of Money.
Here is my personal message to anyone that knows Tom Cruise, or knows anyone that might know Tom or anyone that knows anyone that might know someone that knows Tom:
TOM CRUISE, WILL YOU PLEASE PAY IT FORWARD???….
Our industry is dying and we could really your help. You could be the only one that could save us. You can’t deny that pool players and enthusiasts all over the world aided in launching your rising acting career in the 80’s. Could you find it in your heart to return the favor? Would you please resurrect Vincent and give your fans the sequel, magnificent Tropic-Thunder-style performance we’ve been waiting 25 years for?
This article is the eighth of a series of posts written in coordination with other pool bloggers entitled "PoolSynergy". This month's theme is How Can We Fix Pool? To see others, go to: http://untoldstoriesbilliardshistory.blogspot.com/2010/06/pool-synergy-8-how-to-fix-pool.html
i’ll disagree here. the boon brought about by a movie is a windfall at best. although i’m not discounting the media’s power to drive public interest, i think relying on movies would be akin to relying on handouts. not sure how we could survive on handouts. it’d be better if pool becomes a self-sufficient enterprise capable of making money on its own.
I agree … with restrictions.
I agree we need another big mainstream influence to catch the general public’s eye. But… I don’t think it should another movie about hustlers.
Love the Batman reference!
THIS TOWN NEEDS AN ENEMA!! Ok seriously, I spit out my coffee! But you are 110% right. The jolt of excitement is LACK-ING!
Well written Ms. Cherry! Let’s you and me make a movie … Call is Squared Cherries!!
Thanks for the essay. Great job. And it’s certainly true that The Hustler created a windfall for pool. The sport was in the dumps before the film came out, but then emerged into a renaissance for about 10 years or so afterward. It also seems true that the public has demonstrated a real interest in the romance associated with action players. But at the same time, I don’t think just any ol’ movie about pool hustling helps. The 1961 film was crafted by a very respected filmmaker, starred three great screen actors, and was based on a great novel.
Way to put it on the line, Samm! I’m with P00lriah, though. No doubt a great movie would bring energy and lots of initial interest by folks new to the game, as it did twice before. But if fundamental problems aren’t fixed within the sport, the windfall will just be squandered.
I know, I know. I just wanted to have a little fun with a very heavy topic.