Last week I watched Elmer the Great a 1933 movie starring Joe E. Brown as a Chicago Cub rookie who leads the Cubs into the World Series only to run afoul of, and then thwart a group of gamblers. There are some great shots of Wrigley Field before there was any ivy growing on its hallowed walls, as well as some footage of the actual Yankees. Then too, Joe E. Brown, who was a pretty good amateur ball player looked great in a batting practice scene, demonstrating a very fluid swing. Taken all together, however, this movie was a total dud. One of its best features is that it runs only 72 minutes. Elmer the Great got me to thinking, however, what is the worst baseball movie ever?
There are plenty of nominees including the Babe Ruth Story, but my choice for worst baseball movie is one that many fans, fans whom I respect, really love: The Natural. I don't get this movie. I read the book in college and I didn't get the book. I don't get why the girl shoots the main character, I don't get the significance of "Wonder Boy," and the climactic scene when the ball is hit into the lights, putting them out, is so melodramatic as to be laughable.
If there is anyone out there who can explain this movie to me, I'm all ears. Or "comments section." Whatever. If there is anyone out there with other nominees, post them!
Hands down the worst baseball movie I have ever seen is "Talent For The Game." (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0103036/)
The plot is essentially exactly the same as that of the intentionally ridiculous "The Scout," only it's supposed to be serious. It doesn't bother me when silly flicks like "Rookie of the Year" are laughably unrealistic, but when the movie is supposed to be serious it drives me crazy.
I hated "The Natural" the first time I watched it, but I don't mind
it now. I actually think I prefer it to its baseball-fantasy cousin, "Field of Dreams."
Posted by: Lizzy Kipps | November 29, 2010 at 10:18 AM
Oh is this true? @ Lizzy thanks for the link.
Hmm this is very interesting, baseball is my favorite sports.
Posted by: Ovulation Microscope | December 15, 2010 at 02:16 AM