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Before captivating audiences worldwide with his portrayal of the dedicated ranch foreman Rip Wheeler in the acclaimed series Yellowstone, Cole Hauser made his film debut in the 1992 sports drama School Ties. This early work featured a remarkable cast that included future stars like Brendan Fraser, Matt Damon, Chris O’Donnell, and Ben Affleck and tells the story of a gifted football player who faces discrimination for his Jewish faith while attending a prestigious prep school.
Although School Ties did not achieve significant box office success, earning just $14.7 million against an $18 million budget, it was a crucial moment in the careers of Hauser and his co-stars. Renowned film critic Roger Ebert praised the film’s performances and its poignant themes, emphasizing the impact of bigotry on honesty. This article revisits School Ties more than 30 years after its release to explore its significance.
Prominent Young Talents Collaborate in ‘School Ties’
The film, set in September 1955, stars 17-year-old David Greene (played by Fraser), who moves to Massachusetts to attend an elite prep school after receiving a crucial football scholarship. Upon arrival at St. Matthew’s Academy, David hides his Jewish identity due to the prevailing prejudices among his wealthy classmates. His struggle for acceptance intensifies as he clashes with fellow student Charlie Dillon (Damon) while finding an ally in his roommate Chris Reese (O’Donnell). Ultimately, as David’s religious background is exposed, he faces ostracism and becomes embroiled in a cheating scandal involving Charlie, leading to a climactic confrontation.
Cole Hauser, then just 17, portrayed Jack Connors, a talented athlete who complicates matters for David once his true identity is revealed. Despite his young age, Hauser had already ignited his passion for acting, having dropped out of high school at 16 to follow this ambition. His role in School Ties marked an important milestone in his evolving career.
A Hidden Gem of the ‘90s: ‘School Ties’
While School Ties struggled at the box office, classified by some as a cult classic, it currently boasts a 69% audience rating on the Popcornmeter and a 6.9 IMDb rating based on thousands of reviews. The film’s messages resonate with viewers today, reflecting on prejudice and its corresponding consequences. Ebert labeled the film “surprisingly effective,” noting its deeper exploration of bigotry beyond mere anti-Semitism.
Despite its commercial challenges, School Ties launched the careers of its talented actors. Brendan Fraser gained widespread acclaim in films like The Mummy trilogy and more recently received an Academy Award for his role in The Whale. Meanwhile, Matt Damon emerged as a leading Hollywood figure with notable performances in Good Will Hunting and the Bourne series, while Chris O’Donnell made a mark with roles in Scent of a Woman and Batman Forever.
For Cole Hauser, School Ties was the gateway to numerous opportunities, paving the way for a successful career including notable films like Dazed and Confused and 2 Fast 2 Furious. His recent fame, however, stems from Yellowstone, where he became a fan favorite as the rugged Rip Wheeler. Audiences are eagerly anticipating a forthcoming spin-off series centered on his character alongside Kelly Reilly’s Beth Dutton. This legacy continues to grow, illustrating the lasting impact of his debut film. For those interested, School Ties is available to stream on Pluto.
Source
movieweb.com