As amusing for adults as it is for children, this charming, funny film takes a gentle poke at Little League baseball and the American obsession with winning. Morris Buttermaker (Walter Matthau, in a strong comic turn), a one-time minor leaguer, becomes the manager of the Bears, a team of
multiracial Little League rejects in southern California. With Morris's help this hapless, foul-mouthed bunch, led by its star female hurler, Manda Whurlizer (Tatum O'Neal), begins improving and winning ball games. Director Michael Ritchie (DOWNHILL RACER, SMILE), working from a script by Burt
Lancaster's son, Bill, provides a nice twist on the expected outcome. Although the film c...
Released:
1976
Rated:
PG
Length:
102 mins