*The Tale of Texas Pool* is a captivating documentary that delves into the rich history of billiards in Texas, uncovering its deep ties to the state's culture and identity. The film explores the close connection between the game and gambling, focusing on the hustlers who use inventive and high-stakes bets to lure in challengers. Through colorful anecdotes of bizarre wagers—like roller-skate pool matches and golf balls hurled over vast distances—the documentary showcases the sport's unpredictable and fiercely competitive spirit. More than just a look at a game, *The Tale of Texas Pool* paints a vivid portrait of the people and places that have shaped Texas culture. By weaving together personal stories with historical insights, it offers a compelling exploration of how billiards became a cornerstone of the state's identity, while celebrating the resilience, character, and passion that define both the sport and its players.
Related Movies
Susi Susanti: Love All (2019)
Susi Susanti rises to become Indonesia’s beloved athlete. In time of turmoil, she showed her country & the world that heroism is measured by one’s sacrifice.
The Big Blue (1988)
Two men answer the call of the ocean in this romantic fantasy-adventure. Jacques and Enzo are a pair of friends who have been close since childhood, and who share a passion for the dangerous sport of free diving. Professional diver Jacques opted to follow in the footsteps of his father, who died at sea when Jacques was a boy; to the bewilderment of scientists, Jacques harbors a remarkable ability to adjust his heart rate and breathing pattern in the water, so that his vital signs more closely resemble that of dolphins than men. As Enzo persuades a reluctant Jacques to compete against him in a free diving contest -- determining who can dive deeper and longer without scuba gear -- Jacques meets Johana, a beautiful insurance investigator from America, and he finds that he must choose between his love for her and his love of the sea.
Rumble Fish (1983)
Rusty James, an absent-minded street thug, struggles to live up to his legendary older brother's reputation and longs for the days when gang warfare was going on.
The King of Comedy (1982)
Aspiring comic Rupert Pupkin attempts to achieve success in show business by stalking his idol, a late night talk-show host who craves his own privacy.
Germany: A Summer's Fairytale (2006)
A documentary of the German national soccer team’s 2006 World Cup experience that changed the face of modern Germany.
Summer Storm (2004)
Tobi and Achim, the pride of the local crew club, have been the best of friends for years and are convinced that nothing will ever stand in the way of their friendship. They look forward to the upcoming summer camp and the crew competition. Then the gay team from Berlin arrives and Tobi is totally confused. The evening before the races begin, the storm that breaks out is more than meteor-logical.
Jordan Henderson is Never Done (NaN)
Nike Football, Laurence McKenna and Deft Touch films partner to tell the story of the Liverpool FC Captain’s career through the voices of those who know him best. With unprecedented access to Liverpool FC’s first team squad, Jurgen Klopp and England Manager Gareth Southgate – along with a number of well known Liverpool FC fans and Journalists: we hear how Jordan went from his early days in Sunderland to leading the club to title wins.
Phoenix: A Purdue Basketball Story (2024)
The Purdue men's basketball team enjoyed a record-breaking season in 2023-24, reaching the National Championship game and winning a school-record 34 games. This is its story of its journey to Phoenix.
Million Dollar Baby (2004)
Despondent over a painful estrangement from his daughter, trainer Frankie Dunn isn't prepared for boxer Maggie Fitzgerald to enter his life. But Maggie's determined to go pro and to convince Dunn and his cohort to help her.
Match Point (2005)
Chris, a former tennis pro, takes a job as an instructor and befriends his wealthy young student, Tom. After being introduced to his family, Chris is soon engaged to Tom's sister, Chloe. Despite the professional and financial advantages that this relationship affords him, Chris becomes obsessed with Tom's fiancee, American actress Nola.
Olympia: Part Two – Festival of Beauty (1938)
Commissioned to make a propaganda film about the 1936 Olympic Games in Germany, director Leni Riefenstahl created a celebration of the human form. Where the two-part epic's first half, Festival of the Nations, focused on the international aspects of the 1936 Olympic Games held in Berlin, part two, The Festival of Beauty, concentrates on individual athletes such as equestrians, gymnasts, and swimmers, climaxing with American Glenn Morris' performance in the decathalon and the games' majestic closing ceremonies.
Cool Runnings (1993)
When a Jamaican sprinter is disqualified from the Olympic Games, he enlists the help of a dishonored coach to start the first Jamaican bobsled team.
Olympia: Part One – Festival of the Nations (1938)
Commissioned to make a propaganda film about the 1936 Olympic Games in Germany, director Leni Riefenstahl created a celebration of the human form. This first half of her two-part film opens with a renowned introduction that compares modern Olympians to classical Greek heroes, then goes on to provide thrilling in-the-moment coverage of some of the games' most celebrated moments, including African-American athlete Jesse Owens winning a then-unprecedented four gold medals.
Chinese Ping-Pong (1972)
An experimental sports film made partly during the Scandinavian Open Championships in Halmstad in 1970, partly during the Chinese players' exhibition tour in Denmark immediately after the SOC. First of all, it is a film about their style, about the artistic culmination that is ping-pong at its best, it records China's comeback into the international sports world.
Good Luck Sakhi (2022)
Sakhi is known in her village as ‘bad luck Sakhi’ due to the misfortune she seemingly brings to whomsoever comes in her path. What happens when two men play catalysts to changing her destiny?
Bend It Like Beckham (2002)
Jess Bhamra, the daughter of a strict Indian couple in London, is not permitted to play organized soccer, even though she is 18. When Jess is playing for fun one day, her impressive skills are seen by Jules Paxton, who then convinces Jess to play for her semi-pro team. Jess uses elaborate excuses to hide her matches from her family while also dealing with her romantic feelings for her coach, Joe.
The Masters Game - Ingo vs. Floyd (1959)
A documentary about one of the most famous classic boxing match with the legendary swedish boxer Jens Ingemar "Ingo" Johansson going to New York to face the then current champion, Floyd Patterson.
Military Wives (2020)
Inspired by global phenomenon of military wives choirs, the story celebrates a band of misfit women who form a choir on a military base. As unexpected bonds of friendship flourish, music and laughter transform their lives, helping each other to overcome their fears for loved ones in combat.
Mirrors (2022)
What began as a document of trades, traditions, cultures and home environments in contemporary England evolved and expanded to become an all-consuming project. Mirrors is a witness to unprecedented events as they unfolded on this singular isle over seven extraordinary years. From volatile public demonstrations to intimate domestic scenes, the film reveals the experience and emotions of living in England, explored through the lives of total strangers as well as family and friends. Shot exclusively on 16mm film, Mirrors is both lucid diary and poetic map - a meditation on human resilience in the most challenging era of our lifetime.