Hoosiers (1986)

My Review

“Hoosiers” is a sports film about a failed college coach who is given a second chance when he is hired to manage the basketball program at a high school in a small Indiana town. He succeeds beyond his wildest dreams. Excellent direction by David Anspaugh in his feature film debut made this a classic sports/basketball film still held in high regard to this day. The outstanding screenplay was written by Angelo Pizzo.

The cast delivered in the performance department including Gene Hackman as Coach Norman Dale, Barbara Hershey as a fellow teacher, Dennis Hopper as an alcoholic coach, Sheb Wooley, Maris Valainis, Brad Long, Fern Persons, Chelcie Ross, Robert Swann, and real-life Indiana broadcaster Hillard Gates as the radio announcer.

The inspirational “Hoosiers” was a big hit at the box office for producer Anglo Pizzo, Hemdale Pictures, De Haven Productions, and Orion Pictures. It was nominated for two Academy Awards including Best Supporting Actor (Hopper) and Best Original Musical Score (Jerry Goldsmith). “Hoosiers” was filmed throughout central Indiana.