When was the last time you walked into an arcade? Even if it’s been awhile, you can probably hear still the nostalgic snap of flippers, the roll of steel balls, the electronic beeps, and see the glow of flashing neon lights. That’s pinball energy.

But did you know that the game was once illegal in New York? In 1976, one man set out to overturn the city’s 35-year ban on pinball. This pinball wizard was GQ journalist Roger Sharpe.

Based on true events, the 2022 film Pinball: The Man Who Saved the Game from Vertical Entertainment tells Sharpe’s captivating story starring Mike Faist, Dennis Boutsikaris, and Crystal Reed. The film has received praise from critics, and with a 95% approval on Rotten Tomatoes, viewers agree. The New Yorker listed it among the best movies of 2023, with critic Richard Brody describing it as, “...a bittersweet, vibrantly scrappy re-creation of the times.”

“...a bittersweet, vibrantly scrappy re-creation of the times.” - The New Yorker

From Sept. 5-16, you can watch it for free from your library through Kanopy’s film club, Big Movie Watch.

How to participate:

🍿 Pop the popcorn.
📺 Borrow and watch through your public library* ticket-free.
💬 Share your thoughts with other viewers on the discussion board.
📱 Use #bigmoviewatch on social media.

Watch the trailer

A Q&A with Roger Sharpe

Join in virtually for an exclusive interview with the legendary Roger Sharpe, hosted by Kanopy’s Jill Grunenwald, on Sept. 12 at 12PM EST where we’ll explore:

• The journey of pinball.
• Roger Sharpe’s personal experiences and contributions to the world of pinball.
• The inspiration behind pinball-themed films.
• Behind-the-scenes stories and anecdotes from Roger.

Register to hear from one of the most influential figures in pinball history as he shares his insights and stories.

Hey, Chicago! Enjoy a movie night out

If you live in the Chicagoland area, take a break from your pinball game and enjoy an epic movie experience at the Big Movie Watch film showing!

In partnership with Schaumburg Township District Library, join a community screening of the film and take advantage of fun giveaways and FREE POPCORN!

📅 Sept. 6 at the Enterrium in the E Bar & E Lounge
🕠 5:30PM - Discover Your Library
🕡 6:30PM - Film Showing - Pinball: The Man Who Saved the Game

Seating availability on a first come first serve basis.

Want more pinball?

Get to an arcade near you, or check out one of these books about the history of this captivating game on the Libby app.

Pinball: A Graphic History of the Silver Ball by Jon Chad

In 1976, champion player Roger Sharpe stepped up to a pinball machine in a Manhattan courtroom. The New York City Council had convened to consider lifting the city's ban on pinball—a game that had been outlawed since 1942 for its supposed connections to gambling and organized crime. Sharpe was there to prove that, unlike a slot machine, pinball wasn't a game of chance designed to fleece its players—it was a game of skill that required a measure of patience, coordination, and control.

To prove his point, he proclaimed that he would launch his ball into the center lane at the far end of the playfield—much like Babe Ruth famously pointing to the fences. Sharpe pulled back the plunger and released, and the fate of this industry and art form hung in the balance.

From Pinballs to Pixels by Ken Horowitz

From early classics like Contact to marvels like High Speed, gaming publisher Williams dazzled arcade goers with its diverse range of quality pinball games.

The age of video games catapulted the company into legend with blockbusters like Defender and Joust, and by the end of the 1980s it was the largest coin-op publisher in North America. Williams' acquisition of Bally/Midway began a period of hits that included Mortal Kombat and NBA Jam, as well as the best-selling pinball machine of all time, The Addams Family.

Pinball Wizards by Adam Ruben

Pinball is more to humor writer Adam Ruben than a fascinating book topic—it's a lifelong obsession. Ruben played competitive pinball for years, rising as high as the 80th-ranked player in the world. Then he had children. Now, mired in 9,938th place—darn kids—Ruben tries to stage a comeback, visiting pinball museums, gaming conventions, pinball machine designers, and even pinball factories in his attempt to discover what makes the world's best players, the real wizards, so good. Along the way, Ruben examines the bigger story of pinball's invention, ascent, near defeat, resurgence, near defeat again, and struggle to find its niche in modern society.

*Available to Kanopy users in the U.S. and Canada. Can’t access Kanopy? Your library may not offer the Kanopy service.

RELATED READ: How to get started streaming films for free with Kanopy