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61* (2001)

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All Critics
Top Critics

Average Rating: 6.7/10
Reviews Counted: 15
Fresh: 12 | Rotten: 3

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Release Date: Apr 28, 2001 Wide

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Average Rating: 3.8/5
User Ratings: 15,034

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Movie Info

Noted baseball fan Billy Crystal directed this made-for-cable drama set in the summer of 1961, as two of the strongest hitters in the major leagues, Mickey Mantle (Thomas Jane) and Roger Maris (Barry Pepper), find themselves neck and neck in a battle to break Babe Ruth's long-standing record for most home runs in a season. Both men were playing for the New York Yankees at the time, and as the two men came within grasping distance of Ruth's record, their loyalty as friends and teammates was put

Unrated, 2 hr. 10 min.

Drama, Television

Directed By: Billy Crystal

Written By: Hank Steinberg

In Theaters: Apr 28, 2001 Wide

On DVD: Sep 11, 2001

Cast

Barry Pepper
Roger Maris
Thomas Jane
Mickey Mantle
Anthony Michael Hall
Whitey Ford
Richard Masur
Milt Kahn
Bruce McGill
Houk Ralph
Christopher McDonald
Mel Allen
Jennifer Foley
Pat Maris (1961)
Ren�e Taylor
Claire Ruth
Bob Gunton
Dan Topping
Donald Moffat
Ford Frick
Christopher Bauer
Bob Cerv
Pat Crowley
Pat Maris ('98)
Joe Grifasi
Phil Rizzuto
Paul Borghese
Yogi Berra
Bobby Hosea
Elston Howard
Peter Jacobson
Artie Green
Seymour Cassel
Sam Simon
Robert Joy
Michael Nouri
Domenick Lombardozzi
Rebecca Klinger
Robert Costanzo
Christopher George Marque...
Conor O'Farrell
Jimmy Intveld
Connor Trinneer
Writer #2

Critic Reviews for 61*

All Critics (17) | Top Critics (2) | Fresh (13) | Rotten (3) | DVD (9)

A great baseball movie solidly directed by Billy Crystal. You can tell he's a Yankee fan, but also does not hesitate from showing the warts on some of his idols.

April 12, 2007 Comment

Bob Bloom

Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)

One of the best telemovies I've ever seen...simply sensational

March 31, 2005 Comment

Clint Morris

Moviehole

...[features] two superb performances.

August 1, 2003 Full Review Source: Reel Film Reviews

| Comment

David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

Baseball drama from director Billy Crystal has the graceful arc of a well-hit ball.

November 7, 2002 Full Review Source: Netflix

| Comment

James Rocchi

Netflix

A superior baseball movie

August 30, 2002 Comment

Jon Niccum

Lawrence Journal-World

Unexpectedly touching (and extremely well-acted) portrait of two baseball legends.

July 25, 2002 Comment

Scott Weinberg

eFilmCritic.com

This film will play much better to die hard baseball fans than it will to non-devotees

November 13, 2001 Full Review Source: Old School Reviews

| Comment

John A. Nesbit

Old School Reviews Source: Old School Reviews

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Audience Reviews for 61*

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Quality HBO film, great acting and screenplay. Only movie I've seen where Barry Pepper has a lead role, he's solid as balls.

September 10, 2010

Lenny Muggsy

Super Reviewer

What a wonderful movie! I was all "Awwww!" and "Noooo!" and "Yaaaay!" Full of exciting sports, devastating injuries, and heartwarming camaraderie.Barry Pepper is hella sexy. I love the scene the night before the 61st, during which Maris talks to his wife in bed and gives her the the softest, most tender kiss.Waaaaah!

April 16, 2010