The Winning Team (1952)

User Rating:

6.5/10   

Director:

Lewis Seiler

Writers:

Ted Sherdeman (screenplay) and
Seeleg Lester (screenplay) ...

Genre:

Biography | Drama | Romance | Sport

Tagline:

The true story of Grover Cleveland Alexander!

Plot:

Poor health and alcoholism force Grover Cleveland Alexander out of baseball, but through his wife's faithful efforts, he gets a chance for a comeback and redemption.

Plot Keywords:

Baseball | Comeback | Telephone Lineman | Baseball Coach | Farming

Cast

Doris Day	...	Aimee Alexander
Ronald Reagan	...	Grover Cleveland Alexander
Frank Lovejoy	...	Rogers Hornsby
Eve Miller	...	Margaret Killefer
James Millican	...	Bill Killefer
Russ Tamblyn	...	Willie Alexander (as Rusty Tamblyn)
Gordon Jones	...	George Glasheen
Hugh Sanders	...	Joe McCarthy
Frank Ferguson	...	Sam Arrants
Walter Baldwin	...	Pa Alexander
Dorothy Adams	...	Ma Alexander
Bob Lemon	...	Jesse 'Pop' Haines
Jerry Priddy	...	Ballplayer
Peanuts Lowery	...	Ballplayer (as Peanuts Lowrey)
George Metkovich	...	Ballplayer

Also Known As:

The Big League (USA) (working title)

Runtime:

98 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound System)

Certification:

Australia:G | Canada:G (video rating) | Finland:S | USA:Approved (certificate #15757) | Canada:PG (Ontario)

Filming Locations:

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

Company:

Warner Bros. Pictures

Goofs:

Factual errors: The movie depicts Grover Cleveland Alexander striking out the final batter to end the 1926 World Series. However, the series ended when Babe Ruth was thrown out attempting to steal second base.

Quotes:

Aimee Alexander: Now remember what Bill Killefer said. He said as long as Alex can stand on his two feet, he's still the pitcher I'd want to have in there when we're in a tough spot.

Movie Connections:

Featured in Diamonds on the Silver Screen (1992) (TV)

Soundtrack:

Take Me Out to the Ballgame

A formula Hollywood baseball movie that has its moments but not enough of them.

Ronald Reagan plays famous St.Louis Cardinal pitcher Grover Cleveland Alexander in this average baseball flick. Reagan is not believable as a pitcher which, for a baseball fan, takes away from the enjoyment of the story. An effort seems to have been made to make it realistic showing old footage of actual games but it is not enough. Doris Day is outstanding as Mrs. Alexander, constantly encouraging her husband through bouts of alcohol and depression. Look for a few big leaguers like Bob Lemon, Peanuts Lowrey,Hank Sauer and Gene Mauch just to name a few.