On ESPN (Part of the 30 for 30 series). Trailer. 
ESPN's excellent 30 for 30 series has found its best film with The Best That Never Was. The film tells the tragic story of gifted running back Marcus DuPree and how he squandered his talent and was taken advantage of by those he trusted. I had never heard of him before watching the film, but basically he was the Lebron James of football back in the late 1970's. The film focuses on his background and recruitment by OU and UT, which was won by OU. There is a great sequence shot inside Barry Switzer's office where he shows off all the OU hardware from his successes - cool even for a non-college football fan and OU hater like me. The documentary is poetic at times and taps into several emotional moments and nuanced interviews. Definitely worth your time. Re-airs on November 28 (click 30 for 30 link above for other times).
Thursday, November 11, 2010
The Best That Never Was - A-
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Finally watched this off the DVR the other night. I had heard of Dupree, but like you have no framework of 1980's college football to place him. Suprisingly good film (especially for an OU homer like myself), but difficult to watch the way his talent was "mismanaged" and ultimately wasted. He just seemed like a good kid who erroneously trusted those around him too much (looking at you Rev. Fairly). Thanks for the tip on this one. P.S. On a similar 30 for 30 note, check out "The Two Escobars" if it ever re-airs. Equally entertaining with a dentist favorite soccer backdrop.
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