In 1902 Baltimore, incorrigible 7 year old Babe Ruth is locked up in a reformatory Catholic school for boys. Brother Mathias (James Cromwell) becomes the naturally gifted boy's mentor in baseball. 12 years later, the Orioles come knocking and Mathias works to release Babe (John Goodman). He is later sold to the Boston Red Sox. Jumpin' Joe Dugan (Bruce Boxleitner) befriends the rookie. He shows interest in Ziegfeld Girl Clair Merritt Hodgson (Kelly McGillis) and waitress Helen Woodford (Trini Alvarado). He marries Helen but their personality difference is soon obvious.
This is a docudrama of the baseball legend. John Goodman is the natural actor to play the role even at the age of 39. He has the size and the acting power. This is closer to director Arthur Hiller's end than the beginning. It's a broad character with all the bells and whistles. The complexity of this character is being handled like a Babe Ruth swing. It's either a home run or a strike out. It's swinging for the fences no matter what. I do like his rivalry with Lou Gehrig. The downhill is the more interesting ride. That really saved it for me. His decline offers a real obstacle to overcome.
This is a docudrama of the baseball legend. John Goodman is the natural actor to play the role even at the age of 39. He has the size and the acting power. This is closer to director Arthur Hiller's end than the beginning. It's a broad character with all the bells and whistles. The complexity of this character is being handled like a Babe Ruth swing. It's either a home run or a strike out. It's swinging for the fences no matter what. I do like his rivalry with Lou Gehrig. The downhill is the more interesting ride. That really saved it for me. His decline offers a real obstacle to overcome.