Wednesday, May 25, 2005

The Greatest Game Ever Played -- The Movie

Mark Frost's book, The Greatest Game Ever Played, has been turned into a big Hollywood production that hits screens this fall. Thanks to Geoff Shackelford for pointing it out. Here's the trailer.
While Frost's book was eminently readable and provided a wonderful story, there were some questions about its historical veracity, especially in detailing the conversations between Francis Ouimet and his caddie, Eddie Lowry. Several participants in Golfclubatlas, the great golf architecture site that is full of historical nitpickers, also pointed out that author Mark Frost, a Hollywood scriptwriter for the likes of Hill Street Blues, didn't always get his facts quite straight. I didn't find too much of an issue with the history, though at times, the book read more like historical fiction than an actual history. However, that's not how the book was presented.
Frost's work should translate nicely onto the screen. The book read, in some ways like a screenplay anyway, though it is hard to imagine the Hollywood version will get in the details about Harry Vardon and Ted Ray, which made the book so interesting.
Either way, the trailer, while a little over-the-top, makes the movie appear entertaining.
I'd also recommend Frost's latest book, The Grand Slam, which focuses on Bobby Jones' remarkable 1930 season. Did I mention he finished the Grand Slam at Merion? Did I mention I'm playing there in two weeks? I guess I have now. And sure I'm gloating, but it's freakin' Merion.

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