Perkins portrays Jimmy Piersall in this well-done biopic of one of baseball's most colorful characters, who, from boyhood, was relentlessly driven by his father (Malden) to make it in the major leagues. Nothing the talented Jimmy does is good enough for his dad, and, after finally making
the Boston Red Sox, he breaks down, maniacally climbing the backstop after hitting a home run--one of the best-remembered scenes in any sports film. Jimmy is then admitted to Westborough State Hospital, where he gradually recovers under the supervision of Dr. Brown (Williams), eventually returning
to his wife, his repentant father, and the Red Sox lineup.
The physically awkward...
Released:
1957
Rated:
NR
Length:
100 mins