Mike-764 Review of The Pride of the Yankees

The Pride of the Yankees (1942)

Now batting the first baseman, number 4, Tanglefoot, I mean Gehrig

[10/10 · 30 August 2004]

The story of Lou Gehrig, son of German immigrants, who went on to play first base for the Yankees throughout the 20's and 30's and set the then record of playing in 2,130 straight baseball games until he'd be sidelined forever from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, the disease which now bears his name. The film can appeal to baseball fans, but really succeeds because of the strong focus on Lou's marriage to Eleanor which is the reason why the film is hallmarked, rather focusing mainly on the sports clichés seen in so many other sports movies of the era. (The fact of such a tragic case of Lou Gehrig contributed as well.) Cooper is great (as usual) and it seems to be the only choice to play the role. Wright also gives an excellent performance as Eleanor, and Brennan is his usual fun self as Blake. Great job by producer Goldwyn getting this one on film. Even the former players such as Babe Ruth and Bill Dickey in particular, carry themselves well with the film. A treat for all baseball fans. Some factual errors on Gehrig's career can be overlooked here. Rating, 10.