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      The First Basket

      Released Oct 29, 2008 1h 26m Documentary List
      70% Tomatometer 10 Reviews 29% Audience Score 5,000+ Ratings Chronicling Jewish roots of the NBA and basketball's influence on modern Jewish culture. Read More Read Less

      Critics Reviews

      View All (10) Critics Reviews
      Drew Toal Time Out Rated: 3/5 Nov 17, 2011 Full Review Peter Rainer Christian Science Monitor Rated: B+ Nov 21, 2008 Full Review Sam Adams Los Angeles Times It uncovers a fascinating and largely forgotten chapter of the game's history that is well worth revisiting. Rated: 3/5 Nov 14, 2008 Full Review Bob Strauss Los Angeles Daily News David Vyorst's comprehensive and celebratory documentary presents the stats in one easy-to-follow, nicely organized 86 minutes. Rated: 3/4 Nov 14, 2008 Full Review Mark Keizer Boxoffice Magazine The First Basket is a moderately interesting documentary about a moderately interesting subject. Rated: 2/5 Nov 4, 2008 Full Review Lewis Beale Film Journal International Filled with terrific archival footage, The Last Basket is engrossing and fun, but tends to go on a bit too long. Oct 31, 2008 Full Review Read all reviews

      Audience Reviews

      View All (3) audience reviews
      Audience Member This was really good documentary on the beginnings of basketball in America and it's origins I'm sure will surprise a lot of people. It's all very interesting as you can see the game change, form and develop into the modern era and some of the key players from the begining give thier insights on how the game has evolved. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/24/23 Full Review Audience Member Good documentary showing how Jewish Immigrants to America had many parts to play in the history of Basketball. Interesting Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 02/15/23 Full Review Audience Member A talking head documentary which tells the story of jewish participation in the development of basketball. This documentary sheds an important light on a forgotten part of Jewish-American history.For Vyorst basketball was a way for Jews, especially New Yorkers, to become assimilated into American life. The big flaw for me is Vyorst doesn't do a convincing enough job explaining why there aren't many Jews playing at a high level today. I think it has less to do with demographic shifts and more to do with New York's shrinking influence on the game. You'd be hard pressed to find a star player in the NBA from New York of any race or ethnicity. (For those who would say Telfair or Marbury I would reiterate the word STAR.)Still this docco does a good job of highlighting a fascinating chapter in American History. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/04/23 Full Review Read all reviews Post a rating

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      The First Basket

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      Movie Info

      Synopsis Chronicling Jewish roots of the NBA and basketball's influence on modern Jewish culture.
      Director
      David Vyorst
      Distributor
      Laemmle/Zeller Films
      Genre
      Documentary
      Original Language
      English
      Release Date (Theaters)
      Oct 29, 2008, Limited
      Box Office (Gross USA)
      $19.0K
      Runtime
      1h 26m