This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon, Nov. 14, 2011 - The Gray Seasons, Directed by Robert Herrera, 86 minutes | U.S., 6:30 p.m. Nov. 15, Tivoli
"The Gray Seasons" aren't over. The story of the growth of St. Louis University women's basketball under the leadership of Shimmy Gray-Miller can be seen with regularity at the Chaifetz Arena (2011-12 record is 1-1 to date).
But "The Gray Seasons," the film, has one shot at the St. Louis International Film Festival, and that is at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. (At 7 p.m. Wednesday, the team will be playing Missouri.)
As the coach says at one point, this isn't "Hoosiers." Not in the four seasons covered by the film. "The Gray Seasons" is the story of development, of the coach's growth and players she nurtured, particularly four she recruited. The game pacing flows with intensity; the locker talks ride a roller coaster and the team makes progress at a realistic pace, not in an odds-defying triumph. And only one of her first recruits is still playing in season four. The black and white film give the reality, not the fantasy.
If you enjoy sports, if you understand the pain and sweat that go into it, see this movie. And once you do, you're likely to want to attend the games and see Gray-Miller in action, in person.
(Disclosure: As I was watching the movie at work, the editor asked whether this was the film the chairman of our board produced. It is.)
--Reviewed by Donna Korando, Beacon features editor
Nov. 15
Tivoli
Shorts 5: Drama 1 5 p.m.
The Gray Seasons 6:30 p.m.
Bring King to China 7:15 p.m.
Eco-Pirate 9:15 p.m.
Corner Store 9:30 p.m.
Plaza Frontenac
Hospitality 2 p.m.
Soul of Sand 2:15 p.m.
The Light Thief 4:30 p.m.
Simple Simon 4:15 p.m.
King of Devil's Island 6:45 p.m.
The Athlete 7 p.m.
Empire of Silver 9 p.m.
9:06 9:15 p.m.
Webster University
Went the Day Well? 7 p.m.
Love Stalker 9 p.m.