Sing Sing was tough in the '30s

The Washington Times ^ | 5-26-05 | Dan Daly

[JZelle]

Though I've yet to see the movie -- it opens nationwide tomorrow -- I suspect the remake of "The Longest Yard" features more (Chris) Rock than rock pile. Adam Sandler as an NFL quarterback-turned-convict? Not a whole lot of verite in that cinema. (At least Burt Reynolds, who had Sandler's role in the original film, played some college ball at Florida State.) So let me tell you about a real prison football team, just so you'll know the difference. Let me tell you about the team they had at Sing Sing from 1931 to '35. The Black Sheep, they called themselves.

[Minn]

At least Burt Reynolds, who had Sandler's role in the original film, played some college ball at Florida State

This guy has obviously not seen "The Waterboy".

[BigBadWolf]

Some on the NFL list may find this intersting.

[T Lady]

Very interesting article and perspective on how the mind of Corporate Hollywood works.

...Just recently I purchased a DVD box set from Warner Bros. titled "Controversial Classics", which contains the 1932 Warners' release "I Am A Fugitive From A Chain Gang", which starred Paul Muni as a returning WWI veteran who gets caught in the wrong place at the wrong time and winds up on a prison chain gang in an undisclosed location. Jarring and realistically brutal, the film depicted the cruelty of both prisoners and their jailers. It was said to have been instrumental in bringing about changes in the penal system.

...I do agree with the author that making warmed-over versions of older films is a rather lazy means of entertaining the masses. A little originality never hurt anyone.

-Regards, T.

[freebilly]

That's one great article....

[Tanniker Smith]

The guards were tougher back then, too, before the equal outcome in hiring practices legislation.

TS

[jocon307]

ping for later

[Asphalt]

NFL PING
FReepmail me to get on or off

[nikos1121]

I wouldn't pay 5 cents to see Adam Sandler play anything.

How he gets people to invest in his movies is beyond me. The only other person who I can recall who is equally unfunny, is Chevy Chase.

nick

[darkangel82]

a real prison football team? you mean the Baltimore Ravens?

[JZelle]

a real prison football team? you mean the Baltimore Ravens?

Funny you say that. I just read something the other day about how recently drafted WR Mark Clayton is worried about how well his squeaky clean image will go over in the Raven locker room.

[Oberon]

The only other person who I can recall who is equally unfunny, is Chevy Chase.

Don't forget Martin Short.

[T Lady]

Chevy Chase is an obnoxious prig.

...Actually I thought Sandler was okay in 'Happy Gilmore'. But yes, you definitely are spot-on about ol' Chevy. I would also add Pauly Shore to the list of Unfunny Comedians.

-Regards, T.

[nikos1121]

i agree...they couldn't carry the shoes of the likes of people like jack benny.

i suspect these guys were bankrolled initially by rich relatives because they were probably sometimes pretty funny as standups. i think i heard some excerpts of a sandler concert where we was funny a few times. but it doesn't translate to the screen.

chevy chase's lead movies if you actually go back and try to figure out the humor, there is none, (he was in caddy shack, funny despite him) are blatantly anti-christian...

if you don't believe me, and if you can stomach it watch the Griswald's Christmas vacation. He defames the cruicifixion for cheap laughs just about any chance he can.

Since we're at it, anyone out there who actually thinks Rick Springsteen is nothing more than second rate singer?

nick

[T Lady]

'Since we're at it, anyone out there who actually thinks Rick Springsteen is nothing more than second rate singer?'

...Careful, you may start the fourth world war with that one (Smile). And if I may correct you, it's Bruce.

-Regards, T.

[nikos1121]

yeah, sorry. i was thinking rick springfield. bruce im sure was great in small clubs etc... he's like jimmy buffet with a following. but when it comes down to it, his music sucks. i mean does anyone actually go to a buffet concert to enjoy the music. we go because it gives you a license to look and act like an idiot...

my opinion

[Xenalyte]

Is there a bit in "The Waterboy" that reveals that Reynolds did not in fact play Seminole ball?

'Cause if not, I can't see what connection your statement has to the original.

[mc5cents]

a real prison football team? you mean the Baltimore Ravens?

Some of the old Miami Hurricane teams would fit too.

[Xenalyte]

I've never heard of Rick Springsteen.

I have heard of Bruce Springsteen, who sucks.

I have also heard of Rick Springfield, who used to suck but hasn't done an album in about 20 years so he might not suck anymore.

[nikos1121]

Hey, give me a break... :-) I mean't Bruce Springsteen...

I saw Rick "Jessie's Girl" Springfield in concert locally a few years ago. I mean we're talking like outside block party in Central Illinois. I think he was wearing senior cut pants. But he was pretty good and appealled to wide range of audience.

I later learned that he went on to headline Vegas and is one of the bigger acts there.