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61*
| Rating: NR |
Length: 128 mins. |
Year: 2001 |
| Starring: Barry Pepper Thomas Jane |
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Movie Description
It was the summer of 1961. New York Yankees Roger Maris and
Mickey Mantle both took on Babe Ruth's sacred record of 60
home runs in one season. Two opposites fighting for the same
goal. Yankees goldenboy vs. a hard hitting Midwesterner. For
baseball lovers this would be an unforgettable moment in time.
Reviews from our users
"61* makes my Best Baseball Movies list for many reasons.
The historical accuracy of the film is right on target with the
struggles Roger Maris faces throughout the 1961 season. The characters
of Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle are, from what I've read, also
accurate. 61* quenches any baseball fans love for the game. Although
I am not a NY Yankee fan you find yourself appreciating the tradition
and mystic behind both Yankee Stadium and the New York Yankees.
61* was never released in the theaters because it was an HBO movie
directed by Billy Crystal. You may think that because it wasn't
released in theaters it's not a top baseball movie, but it is."
--Jason of Baseballmovie.com
"I love this movie! That being said, let me get my one criticism out of the way. Bob Cerv, played here by Chris Bauer, was NOT with the Yankees in spring training or during that April slump that Maris experienced. Cerv had been chosen by the expansion Los Angeles Angels prior to the 1961 season and didn't return to the Yankees until the end of May. Some artistic license was definitely taken by the movie's screenwriters regarding Cerv. What can you say about Barry Pepper in 61*? His likeness to Maris is uncanny, and his portayal of the tortured athlete, heartfelt. And Tom Jane may not be as precise-looking a Mantle, but he captures the man's personality excellently. You don't have to be a Yankees fan to enjoy the story of the Maris-Mantle home run derby and pursuit of Ruth's record. In the face all the stresses that Roger Maris had to deal with that amazing season, his achievement is all the more great.
I recently read Ralph Houk's book on the 1961 Yankees, "Season Of Glory."
In it, Houk claimed that in spite of Commissioner Frick's ruling, an asterisk NEVER appeared in the record books next to Roger's total of 61 home runs. I hope that it's true." --Annie V.
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