He Sure Plays A Mean Pinball
Since it burst onto the scene in the 1930's, pinball has played a huge role in popular culture
, to the point where it has become a cultural phenomenon all in its own. Countless movies and television programs offer scenes with actors who are playing pinball, and no where in popular culture is this more prominently displayed than in The Who's rock opera "Tommy". The album, created in 1969, spawned the famous 1975 theatrical release, as well as a spectacular musical stage show.
A Tale of Family Tragedy and A Pinball Hero
Pete Townshend's compelling lyrics tell the tale of Tommy, a boy, who witnesses the murder of his father, thought to have been killed while away at war, by his mother's lover (or the lover by the father, depending on the version, play or movie). Tommy withdraws into himself, and for all intents and purposes, becomes, deaf, dumb and blind, responding to nothing or no one around him.
In their misguided efforts to raise Tommy, his mother and step father try various methods to release Tommy from his inner prison, to no avail. When he discovers a pinball machine, Tommy's life miraculously changes, as the game consumes him, and he becomes the Pinball Wizard. While at the machine, Tommy's handicaps seem to disappear, or even become assets. As the song says, "He plays with no distractions, can't hear no buzzers and bells. Don't see no lights flashing, he plays by sense of smell."
Tommy's abilities take him on the pinball circuit, where he becomes a messiah-like sensation. His greedy mother and step father exploit his talents, earning excessive amounts of money through their savant son. Other than his pinball machine, the only thing that holds his attention is a mirror, which is what he smashes as he breaks out of his shell during young adulthood, and Tommy, played in the film by Who lead singer Roger Daltry, sees, hears and speaks for the first time since the traumatic event that shattered his young life.
The "Tommy" Pinball Machine
The fact that Townshend wrote this play not only tells of his sad and lonely character, it also has cemented pinball's place in pop culture history. Fans not only have the opportunity to see this amazing story on film and on stage, but they can also play the popular pinball game of "Tommy", which was created 25 years after the release of the famous album by a company called Data East.
This machine features images from scenes in the film, including the mirror, a war bomber and The Who's famous borrowed symbol, the Union Jack. The game also features modes that go along with stages of the film/musical. When the player enters the Pinball Wizard mode, they get to play as Tommy would, because a blinder becomes activated, and they will not be able to see the flippers. For players who really like a challenge, they can activate the blinders at the beginning of the game by pressing the Extra Ball Buy-In button at the same time they press "start". For the full "Tommy" experience, players may want to even blindfold themselves, and wear earplugs. But, they shouldn't expect to see "Pinball Wizard" like scores!
by: Howard Symington
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