1) `The Babe Ruth Story’ (1948)
When watching William Bendix yammer his way through this classic, you couldn’t help but think, “Hey, isn’t this the guy who stars in `The Life of Riley’?” The image of that popular early ’50s TV show aside, this film still managed to be entertaining. Released shortly after Ruth’s death, the film never makes any critical lists. But it was fascinating viewing for a young baseball fan.
2) `Fear Strikes Out’ (1957)
Pre-“Psycho” Anthony Perkins gives a remark-ably sensitive performance as Jimmy Piersall, whose battle with mental illness is one of the most interesting baseball stories of the 20th Century. Piersall was an outstanding fielder and competent hitter (.272 lifetime) for five teams before joining Harry Caray in the White Sox’s booth.
3) `The Harlem Globetrotters’ (1951)
Chicago sports fans in the 1950s suffered a virtual blackout of pro basketball news after the Stags folded. In some respects, Abe Saperstein’s Globe-trotters were the city’s team. The script, acting and cinematography aren’t exactly Oscar material (although Dorothy Dandridge stars), but the straightforward look at blacks in basketball is revealing.
4) `Champion’ (1949)
Great actor, great fight scenes. Kirk Douglas plays boxer Michael “Midge” Kelly, who, as one reviewer says, rises to the top of his profession but can’t erase the scars of his underprivileged youth. In his struggle to get ahead he ends up ruthlessly using–and abusing– everyone close to him, including his handicapped brother.
5) `Alibi Ike’ (1935)
Comedian Joe E. Brown is hilarious in this adaptation of a Ring Lardner story. Brown, who had a lifelong interest in baseball, plays a pitcher who makes so many excuses that he picks up the nickname “Alibi Ike.”
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