Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius
Release Date:
April 30, 2004
Limited release
Just in time to capitalize on Jim Caviezel's new-found fame in the aftermath of the release of The Passion of the Christ, independent distributor Franchise Films and Bobby Jones Film, LLC will debut this film about the beloved golfer Bobby Jones in approximately 800 theaters.
For those unfamiliar with the name, the best way to describe Jones is to say that he was the Tiger Woods of his day. Over the course of a seven-year period beginning in the 1920s, the dashing and witty golfer became famous all around the world by winning an astonishing 62% of the national championships he entered. This impressive accomplishment included first place in 13 out of 21 tournaments, and reached its zenith when he swept the Grand Slam of the four majors in the summer of 1930, a feat that remains unmatched to this day. After winning the Slam, Jones retired and chose never to play competitively again.
In addition to his impressive golfing resume, Jones also attained degrees in mechanical engineering, English literature and law. Eventually, after his retirement, he became crippled with a degenerative back disorder called syringomyelia. Never wavering, he designed and founded the August National Golf Club with friends and originated its prestigious annual tournament, The Masters.
Caviezel will star as the brilliant and occasionally temperamental golfer, with Claire Forlani co-starring as his wife and partner. Director Rowdy Herrington made the most of an $18.6 million budget to create a story that is authentic as possible, filming at the actual golf courses where Jones took the world by storm. This took the crew overseas to Scotland's St. Andrew's course, which is significant because no movie has ever been shot on the Old Course before.
Prior to the film's wide release, the Bobby Jones Film Foundation will do several charity screenings to raise money for kids. These events will take place across the United States after a kickoff in Atlanta, GA before heading overseas, where Jones is revered as a God in certain golf circles (St. Andrews in particular). Their goal is to raise $2 million.
Look for a grass roots crusade to drive word-of-mouth for this film, which has been more than 12 years in the making. The producers are definitely setting their sights high, as they're shooting for a My Big Fat Greek Wedding-type of campaign. (Kim Hollis/BOP)
Comparison films for Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius |
Title |
Date |
Opening |
Adjusted Opening |
Screens |
PSA |
Adj PSA |
Total BO |
Adjusted Total |
Mult |
Seabiscuit |
7/25/03 | 20.85 |
20.85 |
1987 |
10495.00 |
10495.0 |
120.20 |
120.20 |
5.76 |
Legend of Bagger Vance |
11/3/00 | 11.52 |
12.88 |
2061 |
5590.00 |
6015.2 |
30.70 |
34.34 |
2.66 |
Tin Cup |
8/16/96 | 10.13 |
13.82 |
2012 |
5035.00 |
6607.0 |
53.85 |
73.46 |
5.32 |
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