61* (2001) (TV)

Director:

Billy Crystal

Writer (WGA):

Hank Steinberg (written by)

Release Date:

28 April 2001 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | History | Sport

Tagline:

Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris. Why did America have room in its heart for only one hero?

Plot:

Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle race to break Babe Ruth's single-season home run record.

Plot Keywords:

Sports Writer | Babe Ruth | Baseball | Friendship | St. Louis Gateway Arch

Awards:

Nominated for Golden Globe. Another 3 wins & 20 nominations

Cast

Barry Pepper	...	Roger Maris
Thomas Jane	...	Mickey Mantle
Anthony Michael Hall	...	Whitey Ford
Richard Masur	...	Milt Kahn
Bruce McGill	...	Ralph Houk
Chris Bauer	...	Bob Cerv
Jennifer Crystal	...	Pat Maris ('61) (as Jennifer Crystal Foley)
Christopher McDonald	...	Mel Allen
Bob Gunton	...	Dan Topping
Donald Moffat	...	Ford Frick
Joe Grifasi	...	Phil Rizzuto
Peter Jacobson	...	Artie Green
Seymour Cassel	...	Sam Simon
Robert Joy	...	Bob Fitschel
Michael Nouri	...	Joe DiMaggio

Also Known As:

61 (USA) (alternative title)
Home Run Race (USA) (working title)

Runtime:

129 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

South Korea:15 | Canada:AA (Ontario) | Canada:G (Quebec) | Iceland:L | Singapore:PG | USA:TV-MA

Filming Locations:

Ambassador Hotel - 3400 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

61* Productions Inc.

Trivia:

Despite the way Mrs. Ruth is portrayed in the film, she actually visited Roger Maris after his 60th home run. Maris whispered in her ear, "Don't feel badly, no one will replace The Babe."

Goofs:

Anachronisms: During Roger Maris and his wife's phone conversation, Roger picks up some Camel cigarettes in a pack that wasn't designed until the late-90's.

Quotes:

Ralph Houk: [before game 154, when Roger, breaking down from pressure, wants to sit out the game] I'm not a sentimental type guy, but... most of us, we bang around the game for a while, then we are forgotten. Ruth, Cobb, Gehrig, DiMaggio, those guys were bigger than the game, and I know that is not what you want. But right now, whether you like it or not...
[...]

Movie Connections:

Referenced in The Punisher (2004)

Soundtrack:

Dedicated To The One I Love

Incredible baseball movie

I could spend hours trying to come up with the perfect words to describe "61*" Simply put, its one of the best baseball movies I have ever seen. Barry Pepper and Thomas Jane ARE Maris and Mantle. Billy Crystal did an exceptional job directing this picture. The acting is excellent. A great part of the movie is seeing all the old ballparks that have been refaced and digitally made to look like the parks did in 1961. Turning Tiger Stadium into Yankee Stadium is quite a feat! I would recommend this movie to the die-hards, the casuals, and those who don't know anything about baseball. Billy Crystal -- Thank you for another great movie!