Information for Parents
Common Sense Media says OK for kids 10+
Overlooked baseball gem for the whole family.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this overlooked movies of the '70s has great baseball sequences and a festive attitude. But it is less than admirable in the way it treats women, who are portrayed as objects of sexual conquest. Older kids will be entertained, but parents should determine if the material is appropriate for their child, given the sex, drinking and mature themes involved. Teens will like the players' antics and find the historical content interesting.
- Families can talk about how the treatment of disempowered people has changed since the 1930s -- women and people of color -- and how it's still the same. Are women and African-Americans treated as equals now? Why or why not?
The good stuff
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Positive messages: An accurate account of segregation and racial animosity in the late '30s. Loyalty is portrayed as a noble ideal. The sexual proclivities of the players are depicted with a "boys will be boys" attitude. One player hires a prostitute. Though the movie handles race issues responsibly, parents should be aware that strong racial epithets are used, often by the black players themselves.
What to watch for
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Violence: Minor fistfights. A player is slashed with a razor blade off-screen.
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Sexy stuff: Several of the ballplayers are seen in bed with women, but little is actually shown.
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Language: Moderate.
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Consumerism: Not an issue
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: The players smoke, drink, and carouse.