ABSTRACT
There is a memorable scene in the cult classic movie The Big Lebowski, wherein the two primary characters, the Dude, played by Jeff Bridges, and Walter Sobchak, played by John Goodman, are involved in a heated argument at their local bowling alley. The row erupts when Walter alleges that Smokey’s strike (Smokey is a member of the rival team) should be discounted on the basis that it had been achieved by foul means. Smokey’s foot, Walter charges, had crept over the line before he released the bowling ball, a clear violation of the rules. Smokey contests the charge and insists that the score should stand. The argument escalates and Walter, now irate, takes out a handgun, points it at Smokey’s head, and demands that he marks the strike down as a foul. Smokey, visibly rattled, acquiesces. Walter, now ever so slightly bashful, shrugs his shoulders and makes a half-hearted effort to justify his actions: ‘This is not ‘Nam, Smokey, this is bowling—there are rules.’
