John Ford assembled a few of his stock company regulars for this fine Alcoa Premiere story about a young ballplayer accused of throwing a game in the World Series. The proof, that star rookie first baseman Patrick Wayne was seen taking an envelope from former star player James Stewart who back in the day was banned from baseball for doing just that.
Stewart's character is based on Shoeless Joe Jackson of the infamous Black Sox and debate rages to this day just what and how much Jackson did to throw the 1919 World Series. In fact he led both teams in batting, hit the only home run in the series, and made no discernible bad plays. He did however except money from the gamblers.
Most of the story is told in flashback at an emergency hearing the Commissioner of Baseball played by Jack Warden is holding. I'm glad that Ford documented the barnstorming that players used to do in the off season for extra money. This was in the days of the reserve clause and many Major League players including lots of stars as gate attractions played in these pickup games. Like the one you see here where Pat Wayne's high school championship team meets some oldtimers like Stewart. These things were beyond the control of organized baseball, Shoeless Joe Jackson and other banned players played on these barnstormers and in 'outlaw' leagues. That's all in the past.
Edgar Buchanan has a nice role as a sportswriter and the game's official scorer and Tige Andrews does well as Wayne's manager. The one to really look out for is Carleton Young playing a bottom feeding sportswriter. I believe he's based on one Dave Egan who was a sportswriter in Boston who was known for riding both Casey Stengel and Ted Williams in his columns.
And you can also see John Wayne in a brief cameo appearance. You'll have to spot him. Have fun trying, he's a figure of authority.
Stewart's character is based on Shoeless Joe Jackson of the infamous Black Sox and debate rages to this day just what and how much Jackson did to throw the 1919 World Series. In fact he led both teams in batting, hit the only home run in the series, and made no discernible bad plays. He did however except money from the gamblers.
Most of the story is told in flashback at an emergency hearing the Commissioner of Baseball played by Jack Warden is holding. I'm glad that Ford documented the barnstorming that players used to do in the off season for extra money. This was in the days of the reserve clause and many Major League players including lots of stars as gate attractions played in these pickup games. Like the one you see here where Pat Wayne's high school championship team meets some oldtimers like Stewart. These things were beyond the control of organized baseball, Shoeless Joe Jackson and other banned players played on these barnstormers and in 'outlaw' leagues. That's all in the past.
Edgar Buchanan has a nice role as a sportswriter and the game's official scorer and Tige Andrews does well as Wayne's manager. The one to really look out for is Carleton Young playing a bottom feeding sportswriter. I believe he's based on one Dave Egan who was a sportswriter in Boston who was known for riding both Casey Stengel and Ted Williams in his columns.
And you can also see John Wayne in a brief cameo appearance. You'll have to spot him. Have fun trying, he's a figure of authority.
