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Kiss Shot is a 1989 American made-for-television film starring Whoopi Goldberg as a woman who turns to the world of pool hustling to resolve her financial woes. It was directed by Jerry London and also features performances by Dennis Franz, Tasha Scott, and David Marciano.

Plot

Sarah Collins (Whoopi Goldberg) is a single mother who loses her job and struggles to support herself and her young daughter. Remembering her old skills as a pool shark, Sarah embarks on a series of high-stakes games to try and win enough money to keep them afloat. Along the way, she must contend with seasoned opponents, skeptical allies, and the moral dilemmas of hustling for profit.

Cast

• Whoopi Goldberg as Sarah Collins
• Dennis Franz as Max
• Tasha Scott as Alisha Collins
• David Marciano as Tim
• Dorian Harewood as Kevin

Production

Kiss Shot was directed by Jerry London, known for his work on various television movies and miniseries throughout the 1980s and 1990s. The film's production took place in late 1988, with interior shots capturing the ambiance of pool halls. Details regarding the specific filming locations remain sparse, though some sources indicate it was shot primarily in Los Angeles-area studios.

Because it was produced for television, Kiss Shot aired on a major network (some listings place its broadcast date on February 26, 1989). Although the **exact network** that premiered the film varies among sources, contemporary TV listings suggest it likely aired on NBC or CBS as a Sunday night movie slot.

Reception

Reviews for Kiss Shot were mixed to positive. Critics often praised Goldberg's performance, noting her transition from comedic roles to a more dramatic part. Dennis Franz, who was simultaneously making a name for himself on the series NYPD Blue, garnered attention for his portrayal of a gruff, streetwise pool hall regular.

Contemporary newspaper articles highlighted Goldberg's ability to anchor a made-for-television production, although some felt the film's storyline was formulaic when compared to other billiards-themed dramas like The Color of Money (1986).

Legacy

Though not as widely discussed as Goldberg's theatrical films, Kiss Shot maintains a modest following among fans of billiards-centered stories and television movies from the late 1980s. The film occasionally appears in discussions of Goldberg's diverse body of work, illustrating her willingness to experiment outside her more famous comedic roles.

Home Media

There is limited information on the home media release of Kiss Shot. Some collectors have reported VHS copies distributed under MGM/UA Home Video in the early 1990s, but an official DVD or Blu-ray release has not been widely documented.

References

1. "Kiss Shot filming info".
2. "Kiss Shot - TV Guide Listings 1989". TV Guide. February 1989.
3. Smith, John (February 27, 1989). "Whoopi Takes a Shot at TV Film". Los Angeles Times.
4. "Whoopi Goldberg Filmography Overview". Variety.
5. "Rare VHS Releases of 80s TV Movies". {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |url= (help)

External links

• Kiss Shot at IMDb
• AllMovie page on Kiss Shot

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• 1989 films