North Dallas Forty

North Dallas Forty

Year: 1979

Runtime: 119 min

Language: English

Director: Ted Kotcheff

DramaSportComedy

A veteran wide receiver struggles against the demanding coaches and rigid team structure of a professional football franchise. His refusal to conform and independent nature creates conflict, exposing the intense pressure and harsh realities hidden behind the glamorous facade of the sport. The film offers a cynical look at the business of professional football and the toll it takes on the players.

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Timeline – North Dallas Forty (1979)

Trace every key event in North Dallas Forty (1979) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Phil Elliott's Glory Days

In the late 1970s, Phil Elliott is celebrated as a wide receiver for the North Dallas Bulls, a team reminiscent of the famous Dallas Cowboys. He is known for his exceptional skills, especially his 'best hands in the game,' earning him recognition on the field.

Late 1970s North Dallas
2

Increase in Painkiller Dependency

As Phil's career progresses, he increasingly relies on painkillers to cope with the physical demands of football. This dependency reflects his growing struggles with aging and the brutal realities of professional sports.

3

Life off the Field

Amidst the chaos of drugs, sex, and partying that surrounds him, Phil Elliott dreams of retiring to a simpler life. He longs to own a horse farm with his girlfriend, Charlotte, who is disinterested in football and supports him financially.

Horse farm
4

Coach Strother's Approach

Under the leadership of Coach Strother, the Bulls focus on player performance, often dismissing the emotional well-being of the team. This creates a tense atmosphere where players feel the pressure to perform regardless of their personal struggles.

Bulls Headquarters
5

Confrontation About the Game vs Business

A striking moment arises when player Shaddock confronts assistant Coach Johnson about the disconnect between treating football as a game versus a business. This highlights the internal conflict within the team regarding priorities and loyalty.

Bulls Locker Room
6

Manipulation of Rookies

Coaches manipulate Phil into coercing a younger rookie to use painkillers, exemplifying the darker side of professional sports. This moment reflects the pressures placed on players to conform to damaging norms in pursuit of success.

7

Tension with Coach Strother

Phil's rebellious nature and unwillingness to adhere to the team's expectations frequently put him at odds with Coach Strother. The coach warns him that his attitude could seriously jeopardize his place in the sport.

Bulls Facility
8

The Gripping Finale

In a climactic moment, Phil catches a touchdown pass, bringing the Bulls within a point of their rivals, the Chicago team. However, a failed extra point attempt ultimately leads to their heartbreaking defeat.

Football Field
9

The Surveillance Revelation

Following the season, Phil learns that a Dallas detective has been surveilling him, presenting evidence of his marijuana use. The team owners leverage this information to influence his future with the Bulls, revealing the cutthroat nature of professional football.

Bulls Headquarters
10

Suspension and Resignation

Phil is informed of his suspension without pay, seen as a maneuver to void his contract. Disillusioned by the team's tactics, he decides to resign, emphasizing that he does not need their money anymore.

Bulls Headquarters
11

Final Encounter with Maxwell

As Phil leaves the Bulls' headquarters, he encounters his quarterback, Seth Maxwell. Maxwell reveals that he was aware of the investigations, leading to a poignant moment of reflection between the two players.

Bulls Headquarters
12

Symbolic Gesture of Severance

In their farewell, Maxwell throws Phil a football, but Phil allows it to hit him in the chest and drop to the ground. This symbolic act represents his definitive break from the sport he once loved.

Bulls Headquarters

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 15:09

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North Dallas Forty Summary

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North Dallas Forty Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in North Dallas Forty

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Characters, Settings & Themes in North Dallas Forty

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