North Dallas Forty 4K 1979 Ultra HD 2160p

Story Movie

"North Dallas Forty" is a gripping sports drama released in 1979, directed by Ted Kotcheff. Based on the semi-autobiographical novel by Peter Gent, the film provides a behind-the-scenes look at the cutthroat world of professional football in America. Set against the backdrop of the Dallas Cowboys football team, the story follows Phil Elliott (played by Nick Nolte), a talented but aging wide receiver grappling with the physical and emotional toll of the game.

Elliott, known for his rebellious attitude and disregard for authority, finds himself at odds with the team's management, led by the ruthless Coach B.A. Strothers (played by G.D. Spradlin) and the manipulative team owner, Conrad Hunter (played by Dabney Coleman). As Elliott struggles to maintain his performance on the field amidst injuries and personal conflicts, he also navigates the complex dynamics of friendship and betrayal within the locker room.

The film delves into the darker aspects of professional football, including the use of painkillers and steroids, the pressure to perform at any cost, and the exploitation of players by team owners and management. Through its unflinching portrayal of the brutality and corruption inherent in the sport, "North Dallas Forty" offers a searing critique of the American football industry and the sacrifices demanded of its athletes.

Nick Nolte delivers a powerhouse performance as Phil Elliott, capturing both the physicality of the game and the inner turmoil of his character. The supporting cast, including Mac Davis as quarterback Seth Maxwell and Charles Durning as the team's assistant coach, provide depth and authenticity to the film's portrayal of life in the NFL. With its blend of intense drama, biting satire, and compelling characters, "North Dallas Forty" remains a landmark film in the sports genre.

Review 4K Movie

When this movie first came out (late 70's), I was still in high school and very naive as to the behind the scenes machinations of professional football. This movie was ahead of its time in its depiction since no other movie on professional football had ventured into this area exposing drug use, both off the field casual usage and to get players on the field, and indifference of ownership and coaching staff to players feelings and thoughts.

Nick Nolte was exceptional as Phil Elliot, the wide receiver whose character was based on Pete Gent, a wide receiver with the Dallas Cowboys who authored the book (North Dallas Forty) the movie was based on. He is a free spirit with little regard for authority but undoubtedly cares about his performance on the field. He cannot play by the rules because he doesn't make them. Mac Davis was great as quarterback Seth Maxwell, the jaded athlete who knows how to "bend" the rules to remain in good standing with the team.

Supporting cast, especially GD Spradlin as the coach modeled after Dallas Cowboys coaching genius Tom Landry, was excellent. If you have 2 hrs and want to catch a well-acted, well-written movie on the reality of professional football, then catch this flick. It preceded such films and Stone's Any Given Sunday, but its content is very relevant to football 30 years later.