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Why Barbara Hersey's character was so protective of Jimmy?

posted 9 years ago by Redart27
11 replies | jump to latest

What was she doing encouraging him to not play basketball for so long? High school basketball was this kid's ticket out of farmsville. Why waste a whole season like that? That could've altered the course of his life and made him bitter later in life if he missed out on college recruitment. I figure he could always come home and farm after college if that's where his heart lay, but college recruitment is a one shot in a lifetime opportunity. This teacher character was out of control. Did anyone else find her obsession with Jimmy somewhat unnatural?

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[–] Alanlinel 9 years ago

According to the story her brother was a big deal basketball player. She seemed to feel the whole family revolved around him and his playing. Frankly, an undeveloped aspect of the story is that she was most likely jealous and resentful of all the attention he got, and was possibly transfering those negative feelings to Jimmy, unreasonably. Just a thought...

[–] hoosiersfan2011 9 years ago

Some dialog from the original script that didn't make it into the movie explains Myra's thinking. In the "I know men like you" scene with Norman in the hallway, she says, "There's no way anyone who is a basketball hero in these parts can be somebody 'they' don't want him to be. I saw it happen to my brother. People around here treated him like a god and acted as if they owned him. They pushed their own frustrated fantasies and dreams into his head until there was no room for his own."

It doesn't seem to occur to Myra that she is pushing her own ideas of what's right onto Jimmy instead of asking him what he wants.

[–] theWatcher74 (186) 4 years ago

Yeah, I guess it didn't end well for her brother, though they don't get real specific. I think she was trying to look out for him, though it was misguided. Jimmy clearly loved the game.

[–] Redart27 9 years ago

Thanks both. The info about the brother explains her attitude a bit more, but agree that she is imposing her beliefs and experiences on Jimmy.

[–] Fluke_Skywalker 9 years ago

It doesn't seem to occur to Myra that she is pushing her own ideas of what's right onto Jimmy instead of asking him what he wants.

I think that's the key element right there. The irony is that she's just as guilty as the ones pushing Jimmy toward basketball for their own desire. It's just that hers seems more altruistic on the surface. When Jimmy rejoins the Huskers it's really the first time he's making his own decisions.

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[–] Redart27 9 years ago

Ooo, interesting point! Next time I re watch I will keep that in mind. The character of Jimmy always seemed marginalized but this ties him into the broader theme of small town pressures and expectations.

[–] movies789 9 years ago

Myra would've done Jimmy more good by teaching him basic manners. When the principal calls you over to introduce you to the school's new coach, you stop taking shots, you walk over, extend your hand, and say "how do you do, sir". And when the history teacher whose class you just ditched walks over to politely ask about your absence from class, you stop taking shots, walk over respectfully, and offer some sort of civil response.

He could have had an athletic scholarship, or even a full-boat academic scholarship, but with a chip on his shoulder the size of a basketball, he was destined to end up a loser, no matter what path he ended up on. To borrow an Indiana farm expression, you can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.

[–] Kariann1 9 years ago

I had different thoughts. With all the press and the publicity, I think there were scouts following the team as they approached the championship. With Jimmy's talent, I would bet he'd be recruited by a big time college. I felt this last game opened up new doors for him and that he would be leaving his small town.

[–] movies789 9 years ago

You might be right, of course. Just keep in mind that the streets are littered with athletes who were stars at the high school level, but only mediocre at the college or professional level. If a kid (or, more to the point, the adults who are raising him) develops a solid foundation of basic good manners, it stands him in good stead no matter what he does. If he becomes a college All-American and a 1st-round draft pick in the pros, he's lost nothing. But if he *doesn't* quite achieve his athletic goals, and he's been the sort who cavalierly ditches class and disses his elders - well, to me, it spells "loser". I mean, would *you* hire someone like that? Just a thought.

[–] Who (5146) 4 years ago

Jimmy was such a wooden character. Apart from his bball skills, the kid had nothing going on and nothing to say about it.

[–] MortimerSpice 8 years ago

She tried to ruin this movie. Thank goodness for fast forward