Daniel Thompson
Jun 07, 2024 - 11:05

Portland theater screening rare basketball documentary in honor of Bill Walton

Trail Blazers honor Bill Walton with screening of 1978 documentary "Fast Break," remembering him as one of Portland's greatest players.

Remembering the Legacy of Bill Walton in Portland

Bill Walton is hailed as one of the greatest players to ever grace the courts in Portland. The Hollywood Theatre in Portland is paying tribute to this former Portland Trail Blazer and NBA champion by screening a rare documentary that showcases "The Big Redhead" and his time with the Blazers.

The 1978 documentary "Fast Break" offers a glimpse into candid moments with Walton, including a bike ride along the Oregon coast, a basketball camp in Warm Springs, and footage from the 1977 NBA championship. This screening, scheduled for Wednesday, June 19 at 7:30 p.m., will be followed by a discussion with writer Larry Colton and other special guests.

"Fast Break" delves into the 1977 Trail Blazers season in a personal and compelling manner. By interweaving excerpts from the playoff and championship season, the film goes beyond the basketball court to explore the everyday lives of the Trailblazers and their coach Jack Ramsey. It allows the players to share their thoughts on basketball, life, and playing in Portland.

Greg Hamilton, the film curator, has been independently screening "Fast Break" in the Portland area since 2007. He has shared DVD copies with various Trail Blazers players and fans, honoring the memories of legends like Maurice Lucas, Jack Ramsey, and Bill Schonely. Despite the sadness of Walton's recent passing at the age of 71 after battling cancer, Hamilton looks forward to gathering with fellow Blazer fans and Walton's friends to celebrate and remember the legacy of one of Portland's finest players.

Walton played for the Trail Blazers from 1974 to 1979, contributing to the team's championship victory in 1977 and earning the title of NBA Finals MVP that year. He later secured another championship with the Boston Celtics in 1986 and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1993.