An unknown middle-aged batter named Roy Hobbs with a mysterious past appears out of nowhere to take a losing 1930s baseball team to the top of the league in this magical sports fantasy. With the aid of a bat cut from a lightning struck tree, Hobbs lives the fame he should have had earlier when, as a rising pitcher, he is inexplicably shot by a young woman.Written by
Keith Loh <loh@sfu.ca>
In 2001, Bill Simmons of ESPN Magazine compiled Roy Hobbs's 1939 rookie season stats, taking cues from the movie. His line would've looked something like this: 115 Games Played, 400 At Bats, 92 Runs, 140 Hits, 44 Home Runs, 106 Runs Batted In, .350 Batting Average. Hobbs struck out 85 times and walked 75 times. See more »
Goofs
The articles don't match the newspaper headlines about Hobbs and the Knights. Only a few are listed here. At 50:34 Hobbs 2 Homers Sinks Pirates is followed by the name of a celebrant at a church service and a list of his assistants. At 1:09:22 the headline Knights Do It Again: Lose 4-3 is followed by continued from page 1 and an article about Bobby Riggs playing tennis. See more »
Quotes
Pop Fisher:
I wanted to win that pennant worse than I wanted any goddamned thing in my life. You'd think I could just this once, wouldn't you? I didn't care nothing about the Series. Win or lose, I would have been satisfied.
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Alternate Versions
There is an edited version which was released in several European countries (e.g. United Kingdom, West Germany). This version edits many dialogue and playing scenes to tighten up the pacing. It runs approx. 14 minutes shorter than the US theatrical version. See more »
One of my all time favorites. Everything about this movie appears authentic. From the time period, to the baseball scenes. These guys really look like a baseball team.
Redford is low-key and stoic, but he hits just the right note for the character. Everybody else, especially Robert Duvall and Wilford Brimley, are fantastic.
A touching story, without being hokey. You get the feeling you are watching something mystical and magical along with all the characters in the movie, and it is played with just the right note.
Thrilling and inspiring. A well-made, well-acted film.
42 of 53 people found this review helpful.
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One of my all time favorites. Everything about this movie appears authentic. From the time period, to the baseball scenes. These guys really look like a baseball team.
Redford is low-key and stoic, but he hits just the right note for the character. Everybody else, especially Robert Duvall and Wilford Brimley, are fantastic.
A touching story, without being hokey. You get the feeling you are watching something mystical and magical along with all the characters in the movie, and it is played with just the right note.
Thrilling and inspiring. A well-made, well-acted film.