Alibi Ike (1935)

Idiosyncratic new recruit Francis "Ike" Farrell tries to help the Cubs to the pennant with his pitching and hitting.

Director:

Ray Enright

Writers:

Ring Lardner (by), William Wister Haines (screenplay)

Stars:

Joe E. Brown, Olivia de Havilland, Ruth Donnelly

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Joe E. Brown	...	Frank X. Farrell
Olivia de Havilland	...	Dolly Stevens
Ruth Donnelly	...	Bess
Roscoe Karns	...	Carey
William Frawley	...	Cap
Eddie Shubert	...	Jack Mack
Paul Harvey	...	Lefty Crawford
Joe King	...	Johnson - Owner (as Joseph King)
Joseph Crehan	...	Conductor (scenes deleted)
G. Pat Collins	...	Lieutenant
Spencer Charters	...	Minister
Gene Morgan	...	Smitty

Storyline

Rookie pitcher Francis "Ike" Farrell comes seemingly out of nowhere to help the Cubs go for the pennant. His idiosyncratic ways, which include excuses and alibis for everything, drive his manager and fiancee crazy in this baseball farce.

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Plot Keywords:

baseball | rookie | excuse | sister sister relationship | liar | 

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Taglines:

THe man with a million excuses!

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Genres:

Comedy | Romance | Sport

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

15 June 1935 (USA)

Also Known As:

Don disculpas

Filming Locations:

Wrigley Field - 42nd Place & Avalon Blvd., Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Warner Bros

Technical Specs

Runtime:

72 min 72 min (Turner library print)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

"Lux Radio Theater" broadcast a 60 minute radio adaptation of the movie on April 19, 1937 with Joe E. Brown, William Frawley and Roscoe Karns reprising their film roles. Mr. and Mrs. Babe Ruth also guest starred in this broadcast.

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Goofs

The plot hinges on the lights being turned out at the Chicago Cubs' ballpark during a night game, so the hero can change into a uniform. Wrigley Field, the Cubs' home field, did not have lights installed until 1988.

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Quotes

Frank X. Farrell: [to Bess in reference to Dolly] Promise? Say, I'd promise anything. Why, I'd get down on my kness right now if I didn't have water on the knee.

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Connections

Referenced in Damn Yankees! (1958)

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Soundtracks

"The Words Are in My Heart"
(1934) (uncredited)
Music by Harry Warren
Played when Farrell is first introduced to Dolly

User Reviews

Feel good movie hits a home run

The Chicago Cubs finally win the pennant! And it takes Joe E. Brown's immortal character Alibi Ike to do it. William Frawley once again is superb in the supporting role, as the manager. Olivia De Havilland shines as the love interest. The rest of the supporting cast which includes Ruth Donnelly and Roscoe Karns are excellent. Director Raymond Enright keeps the film moving along in good fashion. The movie is predictable but it's a lot of fun getting to the end. The ending puts a lasting smile on one's face reminiscent of the movie "Some Like It Hot". This feel good movie hits a home run with this viewer. Take yourself out to the ballgame and enjoy!