Pleasure Machines: The History of Pinball

From 1955 to 1975, pinball machines took in more money than the American film industry...one quarter at a time. Written and directed by Mark Helms, this somewhat overlong but nevertheless interesting history of pinball takes viewers back to the 1700s when the British played 9 Holes, a game involving rolling balls into holes in the ground. Over the ensuing centuries the pinball machine added a board, pegs, plunger, coin box (the most important change), bumpers, flippers, exotic backglasses, drop targets, and that Holy Grail of pinball wizards: the "special" or extra play. Historian Richard Bueschel offers insightful commentary on the evolution of pinball machines and the pinball industry, while special guest stars such as Slash from Guns 'N Roses, Joe Perry of Aerosmith, and major league baseball player Frank Thomas wax poetic about the joys of pinball playing. In addition, employees from pinball machine maker Williams (one of what used to be the big three--Williams, Bally and Gottlieb) comment on various aspects of design, play, and the allure of pinball. Towards the end, too much time is spent on a handful of newer machines, but that's a minor quibble. This one's definitely worth your 79 quarters and change. Recommended. (R. Pitman)