The Hollywood Shorties

The 2016 movie, The Hollywood Shorties, is a unique and captivating documentary that offers a deep dive into an almost forgotten chapter of American sports and Hollywood history. Directed by Ryan Steven Green, this documentary features notable actors such as Tony Cox, Martin Klebba, and Jimmy Briscoe, and unravels a heartfelt story of motivation, perseverance, and unity.

The Hollywood Shorties is an in-depth exploration of the world's smallest professional basketball team. It takes its viewers on a gripping journey about a group of unique athletes who broke away from the societal limitations confining them due to their height and established a platform to create a distinct identity for themselves in the world of sports and entertainment.

Made up mainly of well-known Hollywood actors who were often relegated to background roles due to their physical stature, The Hollywood Shorties spotlights the rise and operation of a basketball team composed of little people. What began as a novelty act in the late 1940s soon grew to become a notable and respected team in semi-professional basketball throughout the 1980s. They emerged as trailblazers, gracing the court with their undeniable talent and challenging societal norms by proving their abilities beyond any physical constraints.

The film is also a fascinating expose on the Hollywood film industry's changing attitudes towards actors of small stature. Famous for his roles in movies like Bad Santa and Me, Myself & Irene, the talented Tony Cox is at the forefront, along with Martin Klebba, known for his work in movies such as Pirates of the Caribbean and Project X. Their first-hand experiences and telling testimonies establish a compelling narrative that intertwines personal strife, cumulative successes, and the relentless passion that drove them towards sports.

Steeped in nostalgia and filled with archival footage and photographs, the film offers a unique insider view into the rise, triumph, and eventual disbanding of The Hollywood Shorties. Interviews with past team members provide personal reflections alongside raw and impactful storytelling. The result is a charming, stirring and ultimately uplifting chronicle that appeals to both sports and history buffs alike.

Director Ryan Steven Green effectively uses the medium of documentary filmmaking to paint a fuller picture of this unlikely band of athletes. He successfully captures the spirit, courage, camaraderie, and inspiring determination of The Shorties, and, in doing so, pays homage to an unsung chapter in sports history. The film paints a portrait of these men that is neither pitying nor exploiting, but instead brimming with respect for the dignified stand they took against a society that often chose to marginalize them.

The Hollywood Shorties is a documentary film that appeals to a broad audience – sports enthusiasts will be captivated by the incredibly skilled performance, and film historians will find it an engaging look into Hollywood’s changing landscape. Essentially, it's a film for anyone who appreciates stories of resilience, perseverance, and triumph over societal biases. Whether or not you are familiar with the story of The Hollywood Shorties, this feature documentary will leave you with an unforgettable impression of the world of these extraordinary athletes.

At its core, The Hollywood Shorties is a celebration of tenacity, bravery, and the underdog spirit. It is a tribute to those who, despite societal constraints, dared to dream big and follow their passion. The Hollywood Shorties is much more than a sports or Hollywood history documentary: it is a testament to the enduring human spirit, the power of unity, and the determination of a group of men who played the game their way, both on and off the courts. Against all odds, these individuals dared to stand tall – in the world of sports, in Hollywood, and in life. Through their journey, the film delivers a universal message: that one's worth is not defined by stature, but by the size of one's courage and the strength of one's character.