The U.S. Sports Film Festival (USSFF) has cast its lot with Philadelphia to host the first annual festival dedicated to sports-related films. The festival begins tonight and runs through Sunday.  The first event is the screening of the uplifting documentary, Running the Sahara, at the Prince Theater.  But the festival officially begins later in the evening with the opening night party at the Loews Philadelphia.

The USSFF chose Philadelphia as in its own words it’s a city synonymous with sports.  The city does have a rich tradition on the gridiron, diamond and the hardwood but not so much in Hollywood.  I came up with just enough to make a top five list of Philadelphia-based sports movies.

Rocky (1976) -  On most lists as one of the all-time great sports movies, the 1976 Academy Award winner  for  Best Picture set the standard and kept trying to repeat it with five sequels.  If you need a synopsis you shouldn’t be reading this article.

Invincible (2006) -   Starring Mark Wahlberg as the protagonist, this is the dramatization of the true story of Vince Papale who unbelievably made the Philadelphia Eagles. At the age of 30, he was pink slipped from his part-time job which was the last straw with his wife and prompted her to leave him.  But working as a bartender at nights left him free during the day to go to the team’s open tryouts instituted by the newly hired coach Dick Vermeil.

Pride (2007) -   The true story of a determined Jim Ellis who starts a swim team for African-American teens in the 1970s at the Philadelphia Department of Recreation.  Academy Award-nominated actor Terrence Howard who lives in Plymouth Meeting took on the lead role with the late great funny man Bernie Mac in a supporting role.

Stealing Home (1988) - Mark Harmon plays the role of the washed-up baseball player who had dashed dreams of playing for the Phillies. He goes back home to handle the ashes of his childhood sweetheart/ first love who had committed suicide. As he searches for what to do with them, he remembers the past and the relationship he had with her. Shown in flashbacks, the girlfriend role is played by Academy Award winner Jodie Foster.

Final Shot: The Hank Gathers Story (1992) - A made-for-TV movie starring Victor Love about the Philadelphia basketball star that stopped shining too soon.  Along with fellow Philadelphian Bo Kimble, the two headed west to play college ball. They both transfer from USC to the wide-open offense of head coach Paul Westhead at Loyola Marymount.   While putting up eye-opening stats, Hank dies during a game due to a heart muscle disorder. 

If you think of any that I may have missed, send it in through the comment area.