Friday, March 27, 2020

The Last Boy Scout by Dan Becker

(pb; 1992: movie tie-in novel, based on Shane Black’s screenplay)

From the back cover

“Joe Hallenbeck was one of the country’s top Secret Service agents. Unfortunately, Joe had a run-in with a dirty politician. One frame-up later, and Hallenbeck had lost his job, his pension, everything but his gun.

“James Alexander Dix was a star quarterback for the L.A. Stallions, considered by many to have the best arm in the league. Unfortunately, Jimmy was barred from football when he was caught gambling on the games and was accused of shaving points.

“What Hallenbeck and Dix have in common is that their lives have reached an all-time low. But when Hallenbeck’s client and Dix’s girlfriend turn out to be one and the same─and when she is murdered in front of their eyes─they have something else in common. An investigation into that murder which uncovers a plot involving blackmail, corruption and a threat to the future of professional football.

“When the participants in this scheme haven’t counted on is the emergence of a new team in the league─a team which doesn’t need eleven men to take on the competition.

“Just two. . .”


Review

Boy Scout is a fun, well-written novel-based-on-a-B-screenplay work. If you’ve seen the movie, the book doesn’t add any new wrinkles, but it is worthwhile entertainment (at least for this reader), a good-writer-slumming way to enjoy a neo-pulpy, nostalgic distraction while the world (often stupidly) rages and burns down necessary structures. Worth owning, for those with the above mindset.

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The film version was released on December 13, 1991. Tony Scott directed it, from a screenplay by Shane Black.

Bruce Willis played Joe Hallenbeck. Damon Wayans played James Dix. Chelsea Field played Sarah Hallenbeck. Danielle Harris played Darian Hallenbeck. Halle Berry played Cory. Joe Santos played Bessalo.

Bruce McGill played Mike Matthews. Noble Willingham played Sheldon Marcone. Taylor Negron played Milo. Kim Coates played Chet. Badja Djola played “Alley Thug.” Chelcie Ross played Senator Baynard.

Morris Chestnut played “Locker Room Kid.” An uncredited James Gandolfini played “Marcone’s Henchman.”

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