Made in 1956 by Castle Films, this movie “The Fabulous Harlem Globetrotters” was originally sold for the home market in camera and department stores and via mail order. We haven’t been able to confirm it, but we believe this film includes Clarence Wilson, George “Meadowlark” Lemon, Charlie Hoxie, Roman Turmon, Andy Johnson, Woodrow “Woody” Sauldsberry, Carl Green, Leon Hillard, Willie Gardner, and others. The famed Washington Generals are also shown in the exhibition match that occurs about halfway through the film.
The Harlem Globetrotters are arguably one of the most famous teams in the history of professional basketball. Originating in the South Side of Chicago and eventually moving to New York City, the Globetrotters were and still are an exhibition basketball team who combine athleticism, comedy, and theater in their style of play. Shortly before this newsreel was released, the team had reached new heights of popularity stemming from their big win against the Minneapolis Lakers (now Los Angeles Lakers) at the World Professional Basketball Tournament in 1948. Produced by Castle Films, a film company founded by former newsreel cameraman Eugene W. Castle, the film highlights the profound skill set of the team both in regards to basketball and comedy. The film starts by capturing the Harlem Globetrotters as they do warm-up drills and later follows the team as they play and beat an opposing team in a basketball game.
Opening title: “The Fabulous Harlem Globetrotters” with animated figures of players (0:13). Harlem Globetrotters players doing warm -up exercise of dribbling wearing Chuck Taylor All-Star or Converse All-Star sneakers (0:24). Close-up of player getting ready to take a shot with Tony Hinkle model basketball (0:31). Players practicing slam-dunks (0:28). Players taking practice shots and making baskets (0:31). Players standing in famous warm-up circle (0:42). Slow motion shot of players’ ball handling skills (0:53). Close-up of player 36, Meadowlark Lemon, who was given the moniker “The Original Sticky Fingers” (1:30). Practice game amongst players (1:54). Player 12 pivoting trick, perhaps player Wilt Chamberlain (2:34). Opposing player standing in disappointment after not blocking a shot (2:53). Harlem Globetrotters running into packed stadium wearing warm-up track suit (2:55). Harlem Globetrotters standing shoulder to shoulder facing opposing team (3:09). Scanning shot of game spectators (3:12). Players in track suits in the warm-up circle (3:18). Players shooting warm-up baskets (3:48). Harlem Globetrotters in face-off with opposing team (3:54). Harlem Globetrotters immediately score a basket (3:58). Montage of various plays where Harlem Globetrotters continually shoot and make baskets and clips of spectators enjoying themselves (4:06). Globetrotter’s famous comedy routine for shooting fouls (4:17). Globetrotters getting ball back from opponents (4:31). Center player #36 hiding ball under his shirt (4:45). Harlem Globetrotters getting ball back from opponents once again (4:55). Players not cooperating with referee and keeping the ball away from him (5:15). Spectators standing to get a better view of player’s trickery (5:23). Player returns to court with one of the spectators’ hats doing tricks with the hat (5:26). Player 32, Leon Hillard, exemplifying master dribbling skills (6:14). Harlem Globetrotter’s conferencing on the sidelines with the team’s owner, manager, and founder Abe Saferstein (6:47). Injured player 36 going back into game to take foul shot (6:55). Trick shot using rubber-band ball (7:14). Another trick shot using jumping bean ball (7:40). Last chance at foul shot for player 36 (7:57). Referee in the face of player Meadowlark Lemon out of frustration (8:08). Final montage of the team’s comedic playing skills (8:21).
Meadowlark Lemon played for the Harlem Globetrotters from 1955-1980 before leaving to form his own team. For the 22 years Lemon played for the team he was called the “Clown Prince.”
Tony Hinkle was an American baseball, basketball, and football player, coach, and college athletic administrator. In the late 1950s he introduced the orange basketball that is in use today. Prior to this basketballs were generally dark brown.
Abe Saperstein was the founder, owner, and earliest coach of the Harlem Globetrotters. He was a leading figure in black basketball and baseball from the 1920s through the 1950s.
This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com
