Overview
Singing, dancing baseball players Dennis Ryan (Frank Sinatra) and Eddie O'Brien (Gene Kelly) find their friendship tested when both fall for the new, female owner of their team (water-ballet diva Esther Williams). Meanwhile, a crooked gambler (Edward Arnold) tries to sabotage the big game by getting O'Brien fired. It all gets resolved with lots of comedy, songs, dances, and baseball action in a colorful, turn-of-the-century setting. (Miss Williams even swims a few laps in the hotel pool.) Busby Berkeley directed TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME, but left the choreography to Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen, thus the dance numbers emphasize Kelly's athletic grace rather than the fluid camerawork that is Berkeley's signature. Berkeley's exuberant affection for early Americana and his unerring knack for zingy comedy are both on full display, however, and frowns are not an option. Songs include: "Take Me Out to the Ball Game," "The Hat My Father Wore on St. Patrick's Day," and "Yes, Indeedy."
Awards:
Main Cast & Crew:
Busby Berkeley - Director
Frank Sinatra
Esther Williams
Gene Kelly
Betty Garrett
Edward Arnold
Jules Munshin
Richard Lane
Tom Dugan
Murray Alper
Wilton Graff
Details
- Format: DVD (Amaray Case, Standard Screen)
- Run Time: 93
- Color Format: Color
- UPC: 883929007585
- Genre: MUSICALS & CAST RECORDINGS
- Rating: Not Rated
- Release Date: May 2008
Movie Reviews
Synopsis:
When a woman (Esther Williams) inherits their major league baseball club, teammates Dennis Ryan (Frank Sinatra) and Eddie O'Brien (Gene Kelly) are first outraged, then smitten. Soon they are fighting for her affections, and even breaking curfew to woo her. More trouble arises when a crooked gambler (Edward Arnold) tries to sabotage the big game. Of course it's all just a pitch on which director Busby Berkeley nails a big home run of singing, dancing, comedy, and romance.
Notes:
Theatrical release: April 1949.