As Bruin fans sink their teeth into March Madness and the once carefully crafted brackets start to look like chicken-scratched messes, the subject that is the reason for this month’s fanaticism will debut on the silver screen.
The Mann Bruin Theater in Westwood normally plays host to film premieres crawling with movie stars, studio executives and paparazzi. But tonight, the theater will welcome former UCLA athletes, alumni and legendary coach John Wooden in the world premiere of a new documentary from HBO Sports called “The UCLA Dynasty.”
The film chronicles the golden “Wooden Years” from 1964-1975, in which Wooden led the Bruins to an unprecedented 10 NCAA titles in basketball, and a record-breaking 88-game win streak.
Producer George Roy noted he was attracted to this project because “it was an incredible achievement in college sports that is never to be duplicated again.”
“UCLA has a tremendous legacy with so many great figures,” he said. “Jackie Robinson, Arthur Ashe, Lew Alcindor and Bill Walton … but basketball is a shining light to the sports side.”
Interviewees include Wooden himself and his former players Bill Walton, Lucius Allen and Henry Bibby, and fellow coach Elvin Hayes. Archived footage will also be shown throughout the film.
Other interviewees in the documentary include: sports executive Eddie Einhorn, vice chairman of the Chicago White Sox; CBS sportscaster Dick Enberg; actor, former UCLA quarterback, and 1986’s “Sexiest Man Alive” Mark Harmon; and former students, professors, coaches and basketball fans.
While the success of the 12-year period is the prime focus of the documentary, the concurrent historical events are also featured.
In a hot political climate surrounding Wooden’s team, the student athletes were forced to cope with issues relating to the Vietnam War and Civil Rights movement.
“UCLA took the sport from being regional and brought it into the national spotlight when television was dawning,” Roy said. “People appreciated the style of play and rooted for the team.”
Following the screening, 96-year-old Coach Wooden will give a rare question-and-answer session.
Guests are set to include former Bruins Gary Cunningham, Ken Heitz, Andy Hill, Jim Neilsen and John Vallely, along with several of the documentary’s subjects. But the star-studded guest list is not limited to athletes.
Prior to the arrivals and screening at 7 p.m., the UCLA Spirit Squad will also perform at the premiere. “The UCLA Dynasty” premiers on HBO on March 26 at 10 p.m.