Hugh Mccabe: The Coach's Final Lesson

"It's not the last pack of cigarettes that really does you in, it's the first cigarette, because that's what leads to all the other packs." This belated realization cost Hugh McCabe his life at the age of 47. This short film, produced by the American Lung Association, draws a moving portrait of a man who was a major influence on his students in the classroom and on the athletic field. A 'bear' of a man, Hugh McCabe was a dedicated teacher/coach and chronic smoker. During the last year of his life, he continued to teach (until he lost his voice), and coach (until he was too sick), and, amazingly, smoke (until he died). No narrator intones the dangers of smoking, no facts and figures are flashed on the screen. In twenty minutes we come to know, like, and grieve over the death of a fellow human being. That's all the point that needed to be made. Highly recommended. (For availability, contact your state American Lung Association chapter).