If I didn’t have to get up so early, I would have read Jonathon Jackson’s book, ” The Making of Slap Shot ” in one sitting- it’s that good.
Jackson, who wasted years working next door for the Sun Times, has finally seen the light and now is employed here at Bayshore Broadcasting.
Sometime between then and now, Jackson went to work on a very ambitious project, chronicling the many ins and outs of both the hockey and the movie business that led to the epic 1977 movie, ” Slap Shot “.
First of all, what stands out is the exhaustive research here; comments and observations from people in the movie biz, from superstar Paul Newman to bit players, plus there are extensive takes from the world of Minor Pro Hockey, from civic officials in Johnstown, Pennsylvania and in general an all encompassing snapshot of life in 70’s.
For a movie project that took just under 70 days to shoot, ” Slap Shot ” has stood the test of time and remains, for most, an enduring classic.
The beauty of Jonathon’s Jackson book is not only the revival of great lines, great scenes & great moments from the movie, but also the uncovering of many previously unknown facts.
For example, from the movie, a classic bit was goaltender Denis Lemieux and his query as to ” Who OWN Da Chiefs ? “
More than 3 decades later, as Jackson illustrates, the big question now is, who owns the rights to the Hanson Brothers characters ?
” Slap Shot ” is a classic on so many levels, a movie watched by many again & again & again, and Jonathon Jackson’s book, ” The Making of Slap Shot ” is likely to be read over & over as well- it’s that good.
I’m Fred Wallace