Captures some of the insanity

RNMorton

Pete Gent's North Dallas Forty was a great book about the fear and desperation of being a marginal football player in the NFL, even if it's outlook on sex, drug use and authority seems rather sophomoric and dated now.  The movie faithfully follows the book most of the way, although the sex and drug abuse is significantly toned down in the movie.  Nolte captures the rebelliousness of wide receiver Elliott/Gent, while Mac Davis, in a true casting coup and career performance, does a great turn as the Dallas quarterback Maxwell/Meredith.  For those keeping track, both Gent and Meredith ended their careers in 1968, Meredith when he was at the top of his game.  Hmmmmmm.

score 8/10

RNMorton 31 December 2002

Reprint: https://www.imdb.com/review/rw0169717/