North Dallas 40

Director: Ted Kotcheff (1979)

Cast: Nick Nolte, Mac Davis, Charles Durning

This is a cartoon-ish look at 1970’s NFL football and does seem dated. There are memorable moments and excellent ensemble acting. Nick Nolte was hot on the heels of his successful TV miniseries Rich Man Poor Man and leaping into film roles. He was very good in this film.

"North Dallas 40" is based on a book by former wide receiver Peter Gent, who played for the Cowboys from 1964-1968.In the film the team is  called the North Dallas Bulls and players different names but all the characters in the book and film are based on players, coaches and executives that played with and worked with. The main characters are Phillip Elliott, played by Nick Nolte, a grizzled wide receiver, who has had a lot of punishment in his football career, but he still loves the game, but the game isn't loving him back. He is being hassled by the coaching staff and management that he's lost a step on the field, but he is still giving it his all.  His best friend on the team is quarterback Seth Maxwell, played by country singer Mac Davis, making his film debut. The two veterans go through another grueling week with a playoff spot on the line and ownership insisting that the players attend VIP parties when they want to rest and prepare for this important game. Phil and Seth try to take it in stride, but it irks Phil to no end that he is just another  piece of meat that management is just gobbling up.He doesn't know if he still wants another season, so he just concentrates on the game at hand. On game day the quarterback and wide receiver played their hearts out to come to a easy field goal to win the game, only to have the backup quarterback mess up the snap negating the victory. In the end Phil needs to contemplate whether he still wants to play football anymore.

Fun Facts

Former Oakland Raider John Matuszak made his film debut in this film, opening the door for a film and Television career in the 1980s and 90's.

During a training camp in preparation for this movie, any actors or athletes who missed practice were fined.

To prepare for his role as an NFL footballer, actor Nick Nolte underwent a rigorous training schedule for several weeks with professional NFL footballers.

The character of Seth Maxwell (Mac Davis) was allegedly based on quarterback Don Meredith (Meredith was even offered the role); During a training camp in preparation for this movie, any actors or athletes who missed practice were fined.