Cribbage, with its rich history and cultural significance, occasionally makes its way into movies and TV shows, often serving as a backdrop for character development or to set a thematic tone. While it might not be as prominently featured as poker or chess, cribbage scenes can add a touch of authenticity, nostalgia, or complexity to a story. Here are a few instances where cribbage appears on screen:
Movies
- "The Odd Couple" (1968): In this classic film, the game of cribbage becomes a comedic focal point in a scene between Felix Ungar (Jack Lemmon) and Oscar Madison (Walter Matthau), highlighting their contrasting personalities and the tension in their relationship.
TV Shows
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"MASH": This iconic TV series about a medical unit during the Korean War frequently showed characters playing cribbage, reflecting the game's popularity as a pastime among soldiers and its use as a way to pass time and relieve the stresses of war.
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"JAG": The military-themed legal drama series has featured cribbage in several episodes, underscoring the game's association with naval tradition. The series protagonist, Harmon Rabb Jr., is seen playing cribbage with his colleague and mentor, which serves as a bonding activity and homage to naval heritage.
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"Northern Exposure": In this series, the character Holling Vincoeur is often seen playing cribbage, especially in the earlier seasons. The game fits well with the show's themes of community and quirky, small-town life.
Other Mentions
While not always a central element, cribbage boards or references to the game occasionally appear in other films and series, often as an element of set decoration or character background that adds a layer of depth or historical context.
Why Cribbage in Film and TV?
When cribbage appears in film and TV, it's often chosen deliberately to evoke a certain time period, highlight a character's background (such as military service), or illustrate the closeness between characters through their shared knowledge of this somewhat niche game. It can signal intellect, strategy, or a penchant for tradition, and it adds authenticity to scenes involving military personnel, given the game's historical popularity among sailors and soldiers.
Cribbage's appearances in popular culture, though less frequent than some other games, underscore its enduring place in the fabric of leisure and its role as a bridge between generations, making it a rich subject for exploration in movies and TV shows.