Too Good To Miss

Rating: 10/10 (1 June 2012)

What a splendid, delightful film! This one takes not only a compelling look at early twentieth century golf but the period as well. The props, costumes, speech and manners were first rate, both sides of the Pond.
And the movie's themes were eclectic. The makers had covered most angles: Anglo-American rivalry, class privilege, pedigree and familial struggles especially between father and son. As an aside we even catch a good glimpse of some darn good snooker play. The London gentlemen club's ambiance reminded me of my stay at a similar venue. Maybe my foray too was on the Isle of Jersey...
The grand theme of all though was the game of competitive golf.
Young American, Francis Quimet, is born to immigrant parents. At an early age the tender lad develops a passion for the game. For now, the lad caddies for the rich. In his spare time and on his own dime, gentle Francis patiently hones his golf skills.
Most nights, Francis dreamt often of a bigger stage. And the drama always revolved around golf.
On the other side of the Atlantic, another gigantic saga develops. Already of much renown in professional sport, golfer Harry Vardon has something yet to prove. Before he bows and then leaves golf's pinnacle his rich-heeled minders persuade him to enter one last 'big' tournament: the eighteenth annual, 1913 U.S. Open tournament.
Using masterful speech, Lord Grand-Jowls exhorts the famous English golf professional. "You must do it for 'The Empire'; show the Yanks it's still 'our' game."
A more likely translation is: "Let's all milk the fat American cash cow, now!" That's more like the truth, ain't it?
Unlikely competitors, the young American caddie and seasoned English golf professional are on a collision course. In their unique way both men pursue golfing excellence. In the film often along the fairways we're shown that both men also suffer from inner personal struggles.
At times, each man manages to conceal the turmoil within. However, at critical moments like the fifth round U.S. Open playoff both young amateur and seasoned pro alike while pitted against each other reveal their human frailties. During regulation play, small fissures appeared even surfaced in each man's game.
In the playoff their nerves and fragile inner selves are tested to the maximum. Both men though reach even deeper. Over 18 grueling holes, they remain calm. Their former demons have since vanished. Relying solely on their unique golf skills the men battle the course, each other, and themselves.
In the tension filled round, each man finds personal redemption. On 18, one fellow prevails. The other, though coming up a shot short, accepts his fate. Although humbled, he is most gracious in defeat.
Probably like many viewers here, I found myself transported to another era. No doubt it was a simpler time. Like today though ordinary, working folk though still struggled. However, during a major golf competition it was an exciting time for all. Wish I was there then in Brookline, Mass. I would have loved to have lived, well, shared that dream!
Overall, this golf film was darn near cinematic perfection! "Read it, roll it and hole it." Well said, Eddie.