The Baltimore Bullet

The Baltimore Bullet is a captivating 1980 comedy-drama movie with a distinct flavour of adventure. Directed by Robert Ellis Miller, it features renowned actors James Coburn, Omar Sharif, and Ronee Blakley in significant roles

The movie revolves around the world of competitive pool. James Coburn plays the role of "The Baltimore Bullet" aka Nick Casey, a charismatic, seasoned pool shark who still holds the captivating charm and unmatched skills like in his younger glory days. Nick is in his prime and completely in control of his game. He presents a comical character with a lively spirit who hasn't lost the spark even though he may seem like yesterday’s man because of his age.

Omar Sharif stars as the refined and top-notch pool player "The Deacon". He epitomizes a certain sophistication that contrasts remarkably with the freewheeling, hard-living, and somewhat mischievous character of Nick. The Deacon plays the part of the challenging adversary, and his conflicting personality adds to the movie's dramatic tension.

Ronee Blakley garners attention as the charismatic and independent character named "Cue Ball" Carol O'Connor, who’s an endearing woman hustler. Showing exceptional pool playing competency, Carol is an inspiring character putting an interesting spin on the pool playing world. There’s a love interest subplot between her and Nick Casey that enriches the story further. Despite having the raw talent, Carol lacks the required tricks to win money via pool games. Nick spots her natural talent and takes her under his wing, mentoring her to become an accomplished hustler.

The storyline unfolds as Nick plans an ultimate scam to win a grand pool tournament in Louisiana against his rival, The Deacon, by using Carol's burgeoning skills. He presents Carol as an amateur player to bait The Deacon into a high-stakes game of pool, with Carol's novice facade hiding her real talents. The Baltimore Bullet is not just about cue sports and hustling; it's a tale about friendship, mentorship, love, and the incredible adventures that surround the protagonist's lives.

The pool playing scenes are realistically shot and make you feel as if you're sitting in a humid pool hall, feeling the tension alongside the characters. The realistic portrayal of character attitudes and the ambiance of the pool games are the movie's core, but it's the interactions amongst the characters that bring further substance to the film. Each game of pool is exciting and suspenseful, as blanks are filled in about each character's motivations, struggles, and ultimate goals.

This movie is rife with the bitter and sweet dynamics of human relationships, imparted with a unique blend of drama and comedy. The dialogue is quick, sharp, and humorous, which adds to the flavor of the movie. All the characters are remarkably detailed and deeply human, generating sympathy and compassion for each one of them. The movie also packs in an exciting pace, interesting twists, and turns of events that keep you engaged.

The Baltimore Bullet lays special emphasis on the character development of Nick and Carol. The mentor-mentee relationship between them resonates throughout the movie. James Coburn and Ronee Blakley share a palpable chemistry and perform their roles with ease and authenticity. Omar Sharif with his refined antagonist character brings the needed tension to the plot.

Produced by Pantheon Entertainment Corporation, the movie features a series of original Hustler Ballads composed and sung by Richie Havens that set the tune of the film and in many ways enhance the depth of every scene.

In a nutshell, The Baltimore Bullet is an enjoyable ride into the world of trick shots and pool hustling. For pool enthusiasts, it’s practically a must-see, and for those looking for an unusual and engaging story that is both entertaining and emotionally fulfilling, it's equally compelling. James Coburn, Omar Sharif, and Ronee Blakley give impressive performances, making their characters vigorously alive. The film's direction, memorable dialogues and a vibrant storyline, make it a classic that will entertain viewers across generations.