Jim the World's Greatest is a 1976 drama film written and directed by Don Coscarelli and Craig Mitchell. The movie began production when Coscarelli and Mitchell were 18-year-olds, while being financed by their parents at a stated cost of $250,000.
Contents
Plot
Jim Nolan (Gregory Harrison) is a high school teenager who lives with his father (Angus Scrimm) and his younger brother Kelly (Robbie Wolcott) in a dingy apartment in a bad part of town. During the day, Jim is a popular high school kid, attending classes and playing on the school football team. At night, he works at a fast-food restaurant, earning money to help keep the family solvent.
The father is an alcoholic salesman who often disappears for long stretches and is physically abusive to Jim's younger brother. One day, Jim confronts his father about his violent behavior. His father reveals that he believes Kelly was the product of an illicit extramarital affair. Jim does not share this information with his younger brother. When the father continues to abuse Kelly, Jim insists that he leaves the house. Jim assumes the role of primary caregiver for Kelly and the sustainer of the household.
Some time later, Jim comes home from his night job to find his brother dead in the bathtub. Convinced that his father was responsible for his brother's death, Jim waits outside of the pub his father frequents. Unknown to him, the father has been watching him from a darkened area along a wall. Jim's father calls later and asks to meet up so that he can explain what happened. Jim at first plans to kill his father, but drops his weapon when he sees his father. The father stands near by, unsure of whatever response he might receive from Jim.
Cast
Gregory Harrison as Jim Nolan
Robbie Wolcott as Kelly Nolan
Rory Guy as Jim's father, Mr. Nolan
Marla Pennington as Jan
Karen McLain as Lisa
David Lloyd as Brian
Reggie Bannister as O.D. Silengsly