Title: The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh
Release Date: 06/11/1979
Genres: Comedy
Plot
“The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh” is a charming 1979 comedy set in the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Directed by Gilbert Moses and written by Jaison Starkes, this offbeat sports film follows the improbable journey of a struggling professional basketball team in their quest for success.
The Pittsburgh Pythons, the city’s professional basketball team, is on the verge of financial ruin and desperately needs a winning season to keep from being disbanded. Despite their efforts, the team is plagued by losing streaks, internal conflicts, and lackluster performances.
Frustrated fans, disinterested sponsors, and a disheartened coach make the Pythons’ situation seem even more dire. Just as things appear to be at their breaking point, the team’s ball boy, Moses Guthrie, has a bizarre dream.
He envisions a team of astrology-based players who could revolutionize basketball. Inspired by this vision, Moses convinces the team’s eccentric owner, Jack DePaul, to implement a novel strategy: form a team based on astrological signs.
Each player on the new “astro-team” is selected to fit their zodiac sign’s characteristics. The team includes star player and team captain, Edward “Too Tall” Johnson, an Aquarius known for his remarkable height and shot-blocking abilities.
Another standout is Moonbeam, a talented Pisces and the team’s point guard, known for his grace and creativity on the court. With their new lineup in place, the Pythons embark on a remarkable winning streak.
Their success ignites a city-wide frenzy, and soon Pittsburgh is consumed with excitement and hope. The media dubs them “The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh,” and their games become must-watch events.
However, not everything goes smoothly for the Pythons. As their increasing popularity brings newfound fame and fortune, the players’ egos begin to clash.
Personalities clash, priority shifts, and tension emerge within the team’s dynamic. Despite their initial unity, the Pythons must navigate the trials of success without unraveling the harmony that brought them so far.
In the midst of their individual struggles and conflicts, the Pythons become an emblem of hope for the entire city. Residents of Pittsburgh, who initially saw the team as nothing more than a laughingstock, rally behind them.
The Pythons’ success inspires people to come together, unite, and believe in the power of their dreams. “The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh” is not only about basketball but also a celebration of Pittsburgh’s unique culture and spirit.
The film captures the vibrancy and pride of the city, showcasing iconic local landmarks and showcasing the resilience of its inhabitants. The Pythons’ rise to fame becomes intertwined with the uplifting underdog narrative of the city itself.
With dazzling basketball sequences, spirited performances, and a playful soundtrack that includes soul and disco hits, “The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh” provides a delightful blend of sports, humor, and optimism. It explores themes of teamwork, self-discovery, and the transformative power of belief.
Ultimately, this quirky comedy will leave audiences cheering for the Pythons, hoping that they can overcome their personal differences, restore their unity, and achieve basketball glory. From its unconventional concept to its lively portrayal of Pittsburgh’s lively basketball culture, “The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh” is a heartwarming and entertaining film that proves dreams can come true, even when they seem fishy.
6 Best Scenes from The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh
1. In the opening scene of “The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh,” we are introduced to Moses Guthrie, a talented basketball player who is struggling with his team, the Pittsburgh Pythons.
Depressed and feeling like a failure, Moses contemplates quitting the team. However, a twist of fate occurs when the Pythons’ coach, Honey Washington, approaches him with an offer to join the team.
This pivotal moment not only marks the beginning of Moses’ journey, but it also sets the stage for the entire film. The audience realizes that Moses is a special player who has the potential to turn the team’s fortunes around.
This scene also showcases the Pythons’ desperation to find a solution to their problems, as they are willing to recruit someone who has never played for their team before. Moses’ entrance into the team signifies hope and a fresh start for the Pythons, and it kickstarts the events that follow.
2. Mona Mondieu, an astrologer, arrives at the team’s home court to meet with the players and staff.
In this crucial scene, Mona announces that each player will have an astrological symbol assigned to them based on their birth date, which will determine their roles on the court. This inventive strategy is met with skepticism from the team, but Mona’s confidence and assertiveness keep them intrigued.
Her astrological approach adds a unique and unconventional element to the film, as it combines sports with astrology, creating an intriguing concept. The scene not only introduces Mona as a significant character but also enhances the overall comedic tone of the film.
Additionally, it sets in motion the team’s transformation from a group of individuals into a united and dedicated team, as they start to believe in the power of astrology and work together to improve their skills. 3.
The Pythons’ winning streak becomes the talk of the town as their newfound confidence and the astrological-based playing style takes them to victory after victory. This pivotal scene builds on the progress made by the team, showcasing their improved chemistry and skills.
The Pythons’ success not only boosts their self-esteem but also gains them recognition and support from the community. It becomes clear that the team’s unique playing style, influenced by astrology, has become a driving force behind their success.
This scene marks a turning point in the film, as it solidifies the Pythons as a formidable team and raises the stakes for their upcoming games. Moreover, the winning streak acts as a catalyst for the development of other characters in the film, as they become more invested in the team’s success.
The scene serves to heighten the tension and excitement surrounding the Pythons, building anticipation for the climax of the film. 4.
As the Pythons’ winning streak continues, they attract the attention of rival teams who become suspicious of their newfound success. In this pivotal scene, the team’s trainer, Debbie Bernstein, stumbles upon a conversation between two basketball players from a rival team who are discussing a potential sabotage plot against the Pythons.
Shocked and concerned, Debbie immediately alerts the rest of the team and the coaching staff. This scene adds an element of suspense and conflict to the film, as it reveals that the Pythons’ success might not be solely based on their skills and astrology but also a result of their rivals’ devious plans.
The discovery of the sabotage plot increases the stakes for the Pythons and creates a sense of urgency as they must find a way to counteract the schemes against them. It also serves as a catalyst for the characters to unite and fight back, further strengthening the teamwork and determination of the Pythons.
5. In a highly emotional moment, Moses Guthrie confronts his estranged father, who abandoned him and his mother when he was just a child.
This scene takes place outside a basketball arena, where Moses’ father, played by Julius Erving, is waiting for him. Filled with resentment and anger, Moses initiates the confrontation, expressing his deep-seated pain and sense of abandonment.
As the dialogue progresses, emotions run high, and both father and son begin to understand each other’s perspectives. Ultimately, this interaction leads to a heartfelt reconciliation between the two.
This pivotal scene adds depth and complexity to Moses’ character, as it explores his personal journey of forgiveness and healing. It also highlights the overarching theme of personal growth and self-discovery in the film, as Moses is able to let go of his past pain and move forward.
The emotional impact of this scene resonates not only with Moses’ character but also with the audience, as it showcases the power of forgiveness and the importance of family bonds. 6.
The climactic final basketball game between the Pythons and the Los Angeles team takes place in front of a packed stadium. This showdown is the culmination of the Pythons’ journey and the centerpiece of the entire film.
The game itself is high-stakes, fast-paced, and filled with suspense. Both teams go head-to-head, showcasing their skills and determination to win.
The game becomes a seesaw battle, with the lead changing hands multiple times. Throughout the intense competition, the players on both teams demonstrate their growth and teamwork, implementing the strategies they have learned.
However, in a surprising turn of events, the Pythons emerge triumphant, securing a hard-earned victory against the favored Los Angeles team. This scene is significant as it represents the ultimate test and validation of the Pythons’ efforts.
The underdogs triumph over established rivals, reinforcing the message that anything is possible with belief and teamwork. It also serves to unify the characters’ individual storylines, giving them a shared moment of glory and celebrating their growth and unity as a team.
