There are times when we want to institute a “Gene Hackman Rule” which basically means if you see his name in the opening credits, you know the movie won’t stink (or at least he will give it a redeeming quality).   This isn’t to say that Hoosiers would not have worked with someone else cast as Coach Norman Dale, but don’t you buy Hackman as a sage sports authority figure before he even utters a word?

Norman Dale was a lot more than just a coach. He was a student himself, learning from past mistakes (he was fired from Ithaca after striking a student), a wall when dealing with the local townspeople who questioned his style, and compassionate when needed. Norman Dale did a lot in this movie to grab your attention, but it is what he didn’t do that made you watch more.

Come to think of it, we take it back…only Gene Hackman could be Norman Dale.

         

The Bullet Points:
Movie Appeared:
Hoosiers (1986)

Actor:
Gene Hackman

Role Portrayed:
Coach of the Hickory H.S. Basketball Team

Why you should vote for him:
We will play the acting card here. Also, my we add, they won the big one at the end.

Why you should not vote for him:
Take away Chitwood, and Dale is nothing. Nothing we tell you!

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