While it was one of the most popular games in the UK during the 1970s and 80s, the cultural significance of bingo varies according to where you are on the globe. In some countries, it was used largely as a teaching tool, and in others, it’s very much associated with certain types of players.
It is these stereotypes and tropes that are often played on when bingo is shown on the silver screen or portrayed in television shows. This has led to some of the best scenes from some of the best-known movies, including:
Cocoon
As a classic of its time, Cocoon followed the story of a retirement community that has been infiltrated by aliens that are giving the residents a new lease on life. The protagonists, Joe, Ben, and Arthur, are swimming in the pool one day when they come across alien lifeforms that harbour the power to rejuvenate themselves.
The amiable aliens share their powers, allowing the men to relive their glory years free of the aches and pains associated with old age. The characters in the retirement village are shown eschewing the activities traditionally associated with the elderly, including bingo.
Following their ‘treatment’ and the residents’ renewed enthusiasm for life, there is a scene in which they play bingo which draws on the North American association between older people and the game of bingo. This turns the trope on its head, showing the players lightning-fast reactions and excellent hand-eye coordination as they crack wise and enjoy the game in a completely new way.
Made in 1985, this film was popular at the time although it is retrospectively considered somewhat underrated. Part of its charm is the simplicity of the premise, but there is no denying that, were it made today, this classic scene would probably have involved the old folks playing slingo bingo online rather than in the rec room.
King of the Bingo Game
As the same suggests, bingo features heavily in this film as it charts the story of a man who is struggling to make ends meet in post-Depression era Harlem. Sonny, the protagonist, needs to generate more money to care for his family, and he begins to play bingo in the hope of winning enough to make it worth his while.
He wins and is called up on stage for a chance to win the jackpot, but when it comes to the moment at which he is supposed to spin the wheel, he finds himself unable to take his finger off the button. This independent film is only half an hour long, but it encapsulates the zeitgeist of the time.
Based on a Ralph Ellison story, the film offers some insight into the plight of the African American community that had been legally emancipated into a world in which they were still at a huge disadvantage. As a sign of the times, King of the Bingo Game shines a spotlight on the tough times experienced by millions of people who had hoped for a better life.
Grandma’s Boy
The trope of bingo being the preserve of the older generation is often portrayed in films, and Grandma’s Boy is no exception. This underrated comedy classic was written by and starred Allen Covert in the role of a video game developer who has to move in with his Grandma after being evicted from his house.
As a man in his mid 30’s, he is suffering from a case of unrequited love and feels a little rudderless, but decides to accompany his grandma to bingo one day and never looks back. When he wins big during his first game, he discovers a new-found enthusiasm for the game and this is a pivotal moment in the game.
Defying the ageist stereotypes about elderly people playing bingo, it’s the titular Grandma whose expertise in video games saves the day. She wins a game against a young upstart to prove that the game was, in fact, designed by her grandson, and proving that the elderly can excel at more than just bingo.
Big Momma’s House 2
Big Momma’s House features Martin Lawrence reprising his role as an undercover operative trying to find out what happened to his friend despite being excluded from the investigation. In this sequel, he assumes the role of a nanny, working for the family of a man that he believes to be involved in the crime.
Not only does Lawrence’s character have to maintain Big Momma’s appearance and perform in his nannying job, but he also finds himself trying to keep track of a bingo game in a retirement home where he believes something fishy is going on. The whole scenario is ridiculous, and the addition of bingo serves only to make it more amusing as Big Momma has to maintain the cover story even in the face of the other players.
Bingo fans will love to see their favourite game on the big screen, whether it’s as light relief or serious social commentary.
