Hold on to your bat! Next month’s feature is timed for the beginning of the new baseball season. THE PRIDE OF THE YANKEE’S will screen at Old City Hall at 7 PM on April 20th. Generally regarded as the greatest baseball film ever made, and the recipient of no less than 11 Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Actress, THE PRIDE OF THE YANKEES is also a terrific love story. Starring the laconic Gary Cooper, perfect in his role of the doomed Lou Gehrig, it also presents a charming Teresa Wright as the classic “girl next door” type whom Lou woos and weds. It is the kind of love story that movies used to portray… only in this case it was true.
The legendary Babe Ruth appears frequently throughout this film which helps underscore its authenticity… as does the presence of Bill Dickey, Bob Muesel, and the announcer Bill Stern. Finally, in a major supporting role, is the durable Walter Brennan, winner of three Best Supporting Actor Academy Awards.
Hollywood has never been very good at making biographical stories. This one is an exception and is now on a visually striking digital print ending with the phrase heard on every ball field… PLAY BALL!