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In this
documentary brought to life with
accounts from some of the original
coaches and players, Something to Cheer
About resurrects an emotional time where
the civil rights movement was in
constant effect. The players and coaches
as well as the school and supporters
would be involved with a change so great
yet fun in the process.
But it
wasn’t always fun for the players of the
Crispus Attacks High School Basketball
team. As viewed in the film playing
professionally was always a mode of
proving themselves to the world. Racism
was evident during the times the Tigers
dribbled the ball across the courts.
With these players the goal wasn’t about
getting million dollar contracts and
major endorsements. These players were
fighting for equal rights on and off the
court. They desired a full education
that was just as good as the white
students in competitive schools. Each
player experienced the same bigotry and
hate; from idle to death threats, no
matter the situation of the household,
whether single or dual parents, each
player was from the poor side of the
tracks relying on talent and drive; The
Tigers and their coaches created a force
field that objected hate and despair.
Like
pages from a book the film which is old
footage recordings of the player’s games
along with rare photos highlight the
present conversations of the surviving
Attacks players. 50 years later the
story feels just like yesterday as Oscar
Robertson tours the audience around the
old neighborhood. Reminiscing about the
feel of the late 50s and how so much as
changed for African Americans and Whites
in that community.
Films
consistent with racial tendency usual
cause a stir of emotion whether tragedy
or triumph the reflection is almost
always bitter sweet as with Something to
Cheer About. The filmmakers attempt at
trying to capture a moment in time was
authentic as well as sincere. Incredibly
enough, Betsy Blankenbaker sold her home
to accomplish this filmmaking feat. An
action dually noted and appreciated by
NBA historians; Something to Cheer About
is a dimly lit crucial moment in time
resurrected by hopes of never letting a
tremendous tale die.
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