Mickey Mantle Movies
Mickey Mantle was one of baseball's greatest players. He spent his entire career with the New York Yankees (1951-1969) and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1974. As a result of his baseball prowess, Mantle became a national hero and was featured in numerous documentaries and sports videos. He also occasionally made cameo appearances in feature films, such as That Touch of Mink (1962) and New York Yankees: The Movie (1987). ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
The remarkable life of baseball's most beloved icon comes to the screen with the kind of loving attention to detail only achieved by the respectful, sports-loving documentary filmmakers at pay-cable giant HBO. Filmed in part to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the legendary switch-hitter's death, this film tells the remarkable tale of the athlete who overcame constant, nagging injuries to blast 536 home runs out of the ballpark over the course of 18 unforgettable seasons and swing his way into the history books. A charming country boy who would beat the odds to become the toast of New York, Mickey Mantle's charmed life came to a tragic end when, as he was receiving an operation to replace his damaged liver, doctors discovered that the baseball great had inoperable cancer. As filmmakers speak to the people who knew Mantle best, including his teammates, his sons, his wife Merlyn, and sportscaster Bob Costas, baseball fans are afforded the rare opportunity to watch from the stands as history is made in the ballpark. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- 2002
The New York Yankees may well be the most celebrated team in the history of baseball; their lineup has included some of the greatest players to ever run the diamond. Yankeeography, Vol. 2 is the second in a series of documentary films which examines the history of the Yankees through some of the men who have worn the team's uniform. In this installment, Lou Gehrig, Phil Rizzuto, Mickey Mantle, Elston Howard, Paul O'Neill, and Mariano Rivera are the Yankees whose lives and careers help show just what it takes to be a Yankee. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- 1990
- Add Billy Martin: The Man... The Myth... The Manager to QueueAdd Billy Martin: The Man... The Myth... The Manager to top of Queue
Billy Martin: The Man, The Myth, The Manager contains one of the very last interviews ever given by the controversial World Series winning player and manager. That footage is interspersed with memorable clips from throughout his decades long career in the big leagues. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Billy Martin, Jill Martin, (more)
- 1987
Hall of Famer Mickey Mantle runs through the basics of baseball for the second time in Play Ball. Mets catcher Gary Carter and pitcher Tom Seaver also contribute tips to perfecting technique. During his 20-year reign as baseball's golden boy, Mantle amassed a wealth of knowledge. He puts it to good use here instructing viewers on practice drills, swinging, bunting, and knocking it out of the park. The video also features an interactive section. ~ Sarah Ing, All Movie Guide
- 1986
Legendary baseball player Mickey Mantle, a champion switch-hitter who hit 536 home runs, offers some great pointers for players eager to master the game. Watch closely as Mantle demonstrates the proper batting stance, the safest ways to slide into bases and field a variety of balls. Since Mantle hit 18 home runs in the 12 World Series games he played in, he remains one of the greatest players of all times. Listen as he describes how to monitor the pitcher and other players in an effort in play a winning game. Learn how to spot the spins on balls that are thrown in an effort to cause strike-outs. Both children and adults can pick up some useful tips for their next games. ~ Elizabeth Smith, All Movie Guide
- 1984
New York Yankees fans will relish this video detailing the history of the Bronx Bombers. ~ All Movie Guide
- 1980
- R
Claudia Weill's second feature is a romantic look at the humorous and tragic sides of love, starring Jill Clayburgh as Kate Gunzinger, a mathematics professor who lives with perpetually sunny architect Homer (Charles Grodin) in Chicago. But during a trip to New York City, Kate becomes romantically involved with handsome hunk Ben Lewin (Michael Douglas), a recently retired professional baseball player who is trying to adjust to a life outside of professional sports. The son of her father's fiancee, Ben, in spite of uncertainties about his future, actively pursues Kate, and Kate, much to her surprise, willingly permits Ben to make his amorous approaches. ~ Paul Brenner, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jill Clayburgh, Michael Douglas, (more)
When people refer to Doris Day as "the world's oldest professional virgin," they generally have the 1962 comedy That Touch of Mink in mind. It isn't that Cathy Timberlake (Day) is above a bit of hanky-panky; it's just that she wants such tangibles as a marriage license and wedding ring first. Thus, when playboy businessman Philip Shayne (Cary Grant) begins actively pursuing Cathy (they "met cute" when Philip's limo splashed mud on the hapless Cathy), she won't say "I will" until he says "I do." She is of the idealistic opinion that she can bring out the best intentions in him, even when he repeatedly tips off his worst intentions by inviting her to accompany him to Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Bermuda. After not a few complications and misunderstands, Cathy finally finagles a proposal out of Philip. The film is essentially much ado about nothing, but it is so well-acted and attractively photographed that the audiences are willing to go along for the ride. The high-powered supporting cast includes Gig Young as Roger, Philip's moralistic financial advisor; Audrey Meadows as Connie, Cathy's wise-cracking roommate; Alan Hewitt as Dr. Gruber, a confused psychiatrist; John Astin as Beasley, Cathy's slimy would-be beau; Dick Sargent as a neurotic honeymooner; and an unbilled Richard Deacon as an all-around letch. Best scene: the baseball-dugout rhubarb involving New York Yankees Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris, and Yogi Berra. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Cary Grant, Doris Day, (more)
- 1962
Released in April of 1962 to take advantage of the new baseball season and the enthusiasm surrounding some of its better-known players, this sports-oriented children's story by Walter Doniger centers around some ill-advised bragging by a young Little Leaguer. Hutch Lawton (Brian Russell) has just told his friends that he and his Dad are good buddies with all-time baseball greats Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle. This fib soon gets him in plenty of hot water as he is forced to search out his heroes at spring training in Florida and make a plea for help. Along with appearances by the Yankee's two top players are pitcher Whitey Ford and coach Ralph Houk. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris, (more)
- 1957
Originally telecast live and in color, this NBC special would be especially valuable to see again, especially if one is a dyed-in-the-wool baseball fanatic. Emceed by Gene Kelly, the 90-minute extravaganza brings together dozens of special guests from Baseball and Showbiz to commemorate in song, sketch and story, the opening of the 1957 baseball season. Among the special's many highlights: The introduction of 1956's MVPs, Mickey Mantle and Don Newcombe; comedy playlets starring the likes of Robert Alda (father of Alan Alda) and Ed Gardner of Duffy's Tavern radio fame; songs performed by Janis Paige, Tony Bennett, and ventriloquist Paul Winchell (with the help of dummy Jerry Mahoney); a "dream outfield" segment built around Stan Musial, Leo Durocher and Ted Williams; a "baseball rock-n-roll" specialty sung by Bill Hayes; old-time baseball newsreel clips, narrated by radiocaster Mel Allen; and a special closing messege, delivered by then-Commissioner of Baseball Ford Frick (long before his vilification as the architect behind the "asterisking" of Roger Maris' 61st homer). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Gene Kelly, Robert Alda, (more)
- 1955
After years of succumbing to the New York Yankees in the World Series, the Brooklyn Dodgers finally won it all in 1955. The "Subway Series" at Ebbets Field was a dramatic one that marked the first and only World Series triumph by Brooklyn. The video documents the exciting series action, including the seventh game heroics of Sandy Amoros and Johnny Podres that clinched the victory for the Dodgers. ~ Sarah Block, All Movie Guide
