Astrology meets the hardwood as the Pittsburgh Pythons try to turn cosmic fate into basketball glory.
THE FISH THAT SAVED PITTSBURGH
The Pittsburgh basketball team is hopeless. Maybe with the aid of an astrologer, and some new astrologically compatible players, they can become winners.
Quick Answer
The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh is a 1979 American comedy directed by Gilbert Moses about a failing basketball team that turns to astrology to reverse its fortunes.
Programmer's Pick
Some teams bank on talent; the Pisces bank on the stars—literally. Only in the ‘70s could a basketball movie double as a horoscope reading, and with Julius Erving and Stockard Channing leading the charge, The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh is a time-capsule of disco-era optimism and astrological absurdity.
— SassyFlix Programmer
Overview
Details & Specs
- Director
- Gilbert Moses
- Writers
- Jaison Starkes, Edmond Stevens, Gary Stromberg, David Dashev
- Release
- 1979
- Runtime
- 1h 42m
- Country
- United States of America
- Language
- English
- Genres
- Comedy
Why This Matters
This cult favorite is notable for its disco-inspired setting, soundtrack, and appearances by NBA stars like Julius Erving, as well as early roles for Debbie Allen, Stockard Channing, and Harry Shearer, all filmed on location in Pittsburgh.
Cast & Crew
View all →
Why Cult
Where else will you find a sports team drafted entirely by horoscope? This film blends zodiac signs with slam dunks.
NBA legend Julius Erving headlines as star player Moses Guthrie, bringing real basketball moves to the screen.
Merging sports comedy with blaxploitation style, the film captures late-70s energy—think disco, big personalities, and sharp wit.
Keep an eye out for real-life sports figures like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Harlem Globetrotter Meadowlark Lemon making appearances.
Scene Gallery
Questions from the Vault
When was The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh released? +
The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh was released in 1979.
Who directed The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh? +
The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh was directed by Gilbert Moses.
How long is The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh? +
The runtime of The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh is 102 minutes.
What genre is The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh? +
The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh is a comedy.
Why does the team recruit only Pisces players? +
The team turns to astrology, forming a roster of Pisces in hopes that their shared zodiac sign will create better team chemistry and luck.
