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.
#
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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