October 2009 - 6

Viewpoint
By Brent Manley

You know what your problem is, it's that you
haven't seen enough movies. All of life's riddles
are answered in the movies.
- Steve Martin

Showtime
I was talking to a running friend the other day and told her I was heading for
Brazil to work at the world championships in Sao Paulo. We share an affinity
for Monty Python, so she immediately brought up the film Brazil, directed by
Python stalwart Terry Gilliam. Of course, the movie has nothing to do with Brazil
(it's set in the future in England), the title apparently coming from a song about
the country that is played over and over.
It started me thinking, however, about films that ... well, might have been
about bridge had different screenwriters been involved.
Gone with the Wind (1939): He had 13 top tricks in 7 until the opening lead
was ruffed.
Big Nothing (2006): What he saw in dummy hand after hand; also a description
of their game.
American Beauty (1999): She put down three aces and five-card trump support.
What a partner!
The Lost Weekend (1945): Six sessions, all under 50%, no masterpoints. Why
did they drive all that way?
A Fatal Inversion (1992): He was playing 1-2 as forcing, she was not. A
partscore making all the tricks was not a happy contract.
Glory (1989): He was an "expert," she was a newcomer. He doubled her in 4
and she took 10 tricks. "So," she asked quietly, "how much is that?"
A Mighty Wind (2003): Sequel to Glory. When will the hotshot "expert" learn
his lesson? Not in this film.
Sudden Impact (1983): The "prequel" to the next film. You pay your money
and take your chances, and sometimes you get hammered.
Big Trouble (2002): They opened, he bid 3 vulnerable against not, and
suddenly the vibes were unsettling. His worst fear was confirmed when it went
Double, Pass, Pass. Oops!
The Big Sleep (1946): Why, oh, why did he duck the setting trick in that slam?
No Contest (1994): The "pros" thought they had a walkover. The newbies had
other ideas. They did need help converting the IMPs to VPs, though.
12 Angry Men (1957): Three high seeds in the Spingold Knockout Teams
qualify to play in the IMP Pairs.
The Great Escape (1963): West doubled him at 4 with 100 honors in trumps,
but East pulled it. Whew!
The Day After Tomorrow (2004): Ouch! That 44% game really hurt. When's
the next game?
Double Indemnity (1944): He bid 6, she had the A K and a sly grin. r
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Letters to
the Editor
Higher calling
To the Editor:
In reference to Misses the Challenge (July, page 7), I disagree that
bridge has lost its integrity.
In some ways, bridge has become
easier than it was decades ago (most
things have), but opportunities to
play against the best still exist. All
you need is a team with at least two
players who have more than 2500
masterpoints apiece.
As this is written, I'm planning a
trip to the St. Louis Regional. One
player on the team has 6000 MPs.
The rest of us have 2000 or fewer
MPs. We will play every day in
bracket one against pros and will
most likely return from the tournament without a point to our names,
but we will have played against the
best.
This opportunity arises all the time
at smaller regionals where the top
bracket has a smaller field to pull
from. I'm sorry to hear the constant
whining about not having good
enough competition. It is out there,
just go look for it.
CHERYL SCHWARTZ
Colorado Springs CO

Freeman mourned
To the Editor:
I just learned the terrible news
that Richard Freeman has left us
(September, page 19). Having known
him for more than 50 years, it is hard
to fathom that I will never see him
again. Dick's wife, Louise, has lost a
Bridge Bulletin

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of October 2009