Wrestling Ernest Hemingway (1993) - Steve Conrad

May 31, 1992

WRESTLING ERNEST HEMINGWAY

Screenplay by Steve Conrad

Synopsis by Brian Aldrich

In Florida, WALTER ALVARADO, 75, lives out the last of his days in a lonely routine. Everyday, he goes to the same coffee shop and is served two bacon sandwiches by ELAINE, 26, who he secretly has a crush on. He spends the day in the park doing crossword puzzles. At night he practices ballroom dancing alone in his apartment. Once a week, he goes to watch a boys’ baseball game, hoping to see the fat kid HENRY's team win the game. FRANK JOYCE, 75, is an energetic, lustful senior who exercises vigorously and flirts shamelessly. He was a sailor and brags like a stud horse. He is especially fond of bragging about wrestling with Ernest Hemingway. He is disappointed that his son has no time for him. He tries to make time with GEORGIA, 68, but his crude manner turns her off. Eventually, Walter and Frank cross one another's path.

Frank befriends Walter who introduces his new friend to Elaine, the coffee shop, and the bacon sandwiches. Walter is stuck in his ways and doesn't appreciate Frank's carefree and rowdy manner. At first, their friendship seems hopeless, but eventually their mutual loneliness brings them together. Walter shares the baseball team with Frank. Frank shows Walter how to sneak into two movies for the price of one. Walter is reluctant and secretly buys himself two tickets. Frank gets a job as an usher at the cinema to fill his time, but he is fired for goofing off. Frank teaches Walter how to ride a tandem bike and they go watch fireworks. They pee in the ocean.

Walter learns that Elaine is quitting her job and moving away to get married. He borrows the bike to say goodbye. Walter and Frank have an argument. Separately, they watch Henry's team win a game. Frank makes the first move to patch things up with Walter and they teach some little GIRLS to dance. Frank declares his affection for HELEN COONEY, 65, the owner of the senior home, and they begin a relationship. Frank talks Walter into going to a dance. Walter goes to pick him up and finds him dead. Walter goes to the dance and enjoys himself, thanks to Frank's example of how to enjoy life.

Summary Criticism: The characters are charming and the plot is involving. This is kind of a Burt Lancaster/Kirk Douglas sort of picture.

Wrestling Ernest Hemingway (1993) - imdb

Wrestling Ernest Hemingway (1993) - wiki