Sweetwater Parent Guide

In the 1940’s, professional basketball is a white man’s game. So, the only way a man of color can earn money playing basketball is if he is good enough to be part of the Harlem Globetrotters. And even that isn’t as glamorous as it sounds. Created by shrewd businessman Abe Saperstein (Kevin Pollak), the Trotters are a group of talented athletes who “entertain” on the court more than they play the game. Most of their venues are as small as their pay. Travel and accommodations usually happen in the team’s aging bus because money is tight, and Black guests aren’t welcome in many hotels.

Prospects look fairer after the Trotters are invited to Madison Square Gardens to play against the Minneapolis Lakers. Displaying their best “razzle-dazzle”, the all-black team beats the National Basketball Association’s reigning champions, packs the house with enthusiastic fans, and captures the attention of the NBA board.

Of particular interest is the star of the Globetrotters, Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton (Everett Osborne), a giant in size and skill. Joe Lapchick (Jeremy Piven), coach of the New York Knickerbockers, is convinced Sweetwater could make their team winners, both in the sport and in social change. However, he faces major opposition from Knicks’ owner Ned Irish (Cary Elwes), the other teams in the league, and NBA president Maurice Podoloff (Richard Dreyfuss).

Based on a true story, the movie follows a familiar playbook as it explores prejudice in the world of basketball. Sweetwater, and those who advocate for his entry into professional sports, face verbal and physical threats (a couple of altercations are shown with minimal violence). Black athletes are the victims of discrimination by referees, employers, and members of the public. As well, the film makes note of the prejudice that delays recognition of Black contributions: Nathaniel “Sweetwater” Clifton wasn’t inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame until 2014.

Although the script isn’t particularly novel in its approach, it does tell a story we still need to hear. Just as basketball is no longer an all-white sport, we too can learn from the past and make a future with more fairness and inclusivity.

About author

Donna Gustafson

Donna Gustafson has been involved with her husband Rod's work since the beginning. Handling many of the behind-the-scenes tasks, she also creates preview pages for up-coming movies, acts as managing editor and occasionally writes reviews.