The Deadliest Season (1977)

The Deadliest Season is a 1977 made-for-TV film that was originally shown in the United States on CBS. The film was directed by Robert Markowitz, written by Ernest Kilroy, and produced by Titus Productions. The main character was played by Michael Moriarty, an American-Canadian stage and screen actor. His wife was played by Meryl Streep in her first-ever film appearance.

Synopsis

An average professional ice hockey defenseman is relegated to the minor leagues because his play is not aggressive enough. In an effort to get back to the majors, he plays dirty and gets into fights on the ice, which gets him back to the major. His aggressive play results in the death of another player as a result of injuries sustained during a game, and results in his being charged with manslaughter. The player appears largely indifferent to the situation, appearing to view it as a normal part of playing top level ice hockey.

Actors