Update: A reliable source tells me the possible movie actually would be based on the Cinderella story of Tom Smallwood, but the character might be more like Pete Weber.
I'm not sure that would work, as Pete isn't PDW as a Cinderella. He is arguably the greatest talent ever and what's compelling about his story is that it's who he is that makes him so great, and also perhaps kept him from being the greatest champion in bowling history.
A life like Pete's would be a great basis for movie, whatever sport it would be in.
Pete, by the way, is nearing six months sober and bowling as well as ever — I got to see that first-hand this weekend in a doubleheader of PBA Senior Regionals in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Watch out for him at the World Series of Bowling!
I missed this one when it was published, but when it was forwarded to me I had to write it up.
Jack Black might make a bowling movie based on Pete Weber’s life, according to this story in the Los Angeles Times.
Here’s the lead of the article:
Jack Black, who recently reunited with “School of Rock” director Richard Linklater for the rural Texas black comedy “Bernie,” said he’s attached to a third collaboration with the Austin auteur. The subject? Spares and strikes.
“It’s about a guy who gives up everything to be a professional bowler,” Black told The Times at an award-season event here for “Bernie.”
Even more juicily, the new project could center on a well-known colorful ball-thrower — the polarizing PBA champion Pete Weber.
Black acknowledged the film was inspired by a real-life bowler, but wouldn’t specify who. There are several indications, though, that it’s Weber, a bowler who indeed sacrificed a lot on his way to ten-pin glory, enduring several marriages and a bout with alcoholism. Black also implied the character was about 50 years old (Weber turned 50 this summer).
At the mention of Weber’s name, Black playfully looked over his shoulder and then up and down, as if to say “I’m not saying nuthin’.”
There is no doubt that Pete’s life is the one pro bowling life interesting enough to be fodder for a movie.
I’ve long joked that some day when Pete and I are both retired — he from bowling, me from newspapering — we should sit down and I will write his autobiography, with nothing held back.
It might be the one bowling book that would draw readers beyond the industry.
