Features: DVD
A group of black ball players in 1939 defect from the Negro National League and travel the country challenging local white teams in this thought-provoking comedy featuring Billy Dee Williams, James Earl Jones and Richard Pryor.
"Bright, original comedy..." Leonard Maltin's Movie & Video Guide
Editor's Note
Richard Pryor, Billy Dee Williams, and James Earl Jones star in this appealing comedy about a group of black baseball players who defect from the 1930s Negro National League. The leads are based on authentic heroes Satchel Paige and Josh Gibson. The year is 1939, and Negro League baseball players Bingo Long (Williams) and Leon Carter (Jones) have had enough of the black team owners' harsh treatment. So they decide to leave their team and form one of their own. Bingo and Leon's team is a hit--that is, until the other owners pressure them into leaving the league.The All-Stars then travel rural America, playing against white teams, for white crowds. But, even though they are just as talented as their opponents (or more so), the black players must resort to comedic antics and tomfoolery on the field, in order to be accepted by audiences. Hilarious physical comedy and fine performances provide a thought-provoking balance of social issues and comedy.
Plot Summary
Director John Badham's appealing comedy focuse on a group of black baseball players who defect from the 1930s Negro National League. As result, the talented ballplayers travel from town to town, challenging local white teams, and hiding their talents under comic shenanigans. The film provides an intriguing balance of social issues and comedy, with the leads based on authentic heroes Satchel Paige and Josh Gibson.
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