Elroy "Crazylegs" Hirsch Movies
- 1965
Leo Durocher, longtime manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, appears as himself in this episode, which also features a guest cameo by sports legend Elroy "Crazylegs" Hirsch. Playing baseball with son Eddie (Butch Patrick), Herman (Fred Gwynne) knocks out a home run that travels seven blocks before knocking Durocher cold. Upon recovering consciousness, Leo decides to sign Herman for the Dodgers--but after a chaotic tryout session, he begins to reconsider shipping Herman off to Vietnam instead (No kidding. Vietnam is actually used as a punchline in this 1965 episode)! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
This suspenseful air-borne adventure can rightfully lay claim to being the Mother of All subsequent in-flight disaster films of the '70s. The trouble begins when the pilot and crew of a Canadian passenger plane suddenly find themselves doubled over from accidental ptomaine poisoning and unable to continue flying the plane. The only other person on board who can save the terrified crew is a former WW II flying ace who is petrified of flying again. Fortunately, a courageous steel-nerved ground controller is there to offer full-radio support. Later the film became the basis of a TV movie Terror in the Sky and the hilarious parody Airplane (1980). Arthur Hailey, who wrote the teleplay on which this was based, went on to write the novel and the screenplay for 1970's Airport. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Dana Andrews, Linda Darnell, (more)
- 1955
This fact-based prison drama tells the tale of a band of prisoners living in the innovative 2,600-acre prison at Chino, California. The place takes a humanistic approach to reform and there are no armed guards, no lockups and no uniforms. The underlying philosophy is that if these things are not there, the prisoners will not want to escape, and will instead accept their punishment. A new inmate arrives and soon accustoms himself to the new idea. The story includes the Oscar nominated song Unchained Melody. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Barbara Hale, Chester Morris, (more)
- 1953
All-American football star Elroy "Crazylegs" Hirsch plays himself in this rousing filmed biography. Beginning with his years in a mid-Wisconsin high school, the film traces Hirsch's multi-lettered career at the University of Wisconsin. After military service, Hirsch turns pro, eventually joining the LA Rams. Sidelined by an injury that threatens his athletic future, "Crazylegs" makes a spectacular comeback. Lloyd Nolan co-stars as coach Win Brockmeier, while Joan Vohs plays Hirsch's high-school sweetheart (and later wife); real-life sports personages in the cast include Bob Waterfield, Bob Kelley, and Bill Brundage. The film was released in most markets under the streamlined title Crazylegs. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elroy "Crazylegs" Hirsch, Lloyd Nolan, (more)
