John Houseman

Rollerball (1975)

Film and Plot Synopsis In the futuristic world of 2018, corporations have replaced countries. To distract and control humanity, they created a violent gladatorialesque game called Rollerball to demonstrate the futility of individual effort. However, the Energy Corporation soon begins to fear the popularity of its top player, Jonathan E because of his individual efforts. They decide it’s time for him to retire one way or the other before he inspires others to follow suit. ‘Rollerball’ Movie Summary The summary below contains spoilers. Jonathan E. (James Caan) plays on Houston’s Rollerball team. As its captain, he’s become the sport’s most recognizable player lasting a ridiculous decade without someone killing him in match play. After an impressive win against Madrid, Mr. Bartholomew (John Houseman), a chairman of the Energy Corporation which owns Houston, pops in the locker room to congratulate the men and to announce he’s going to have Jonathan featured in retrospective broadcast about his career. The next day he meets with Jonathan where he tells him that the Energy Corporation intends to use that broadcast to announce Jonathan’s retirement. He will give Jonathan an excellent retirement package once he makes the announcement. Jonathan is confused and unconvinced. Mr. Bartholomew …