We've curated a list of lesser-known films to help you explore the space-time continuum from the comfort of your couch.
Related lists from IMDb users
Title: The Lou Gehrig Story (19 Apr 1956)
Want to share IMDb's rating on your own site? Use the HTML below.
Do you have any images for this title?
| Episode credited cast: | |||
| Wendell Corey | ... | Lou Gehrig | |
| Jean Hagen | ... | Eleanor Gehrig | |
| Harry Carey Jr. | ... | Bill Dickey | |
| James Gregory | ... | Joe McCarthy | |
| Harry Townes | ... | Dr. Adams | |
| Rest of cast listed alphabetically: | |||
| Sam Balter | ... | Game announcer | |
 |
Dizzy Dean | ... | Self (archive footage) |
|
|
Bill Dickey | ... | Self (archive footage) |
| Lou Gehrig | ... | Self (archive footage) | |
| Russell Johnson | ... | Rusty | |
|
|
Joe McCarthy | ... | Self (archive footage) |
| Maidie Norman | ... | Maggie | |
| Babe Ruth | ... | Self (archive footage) | |
Long-time New York Yankee star, first baseman Lou Gehrig battles ALS with the help of his wife, and of his teammate, catcher Bill Dickey. The disease cuts short Gehrig's great baseball career, and kills "The Iron Horse" within a few years. Written by David Stevens
I am really not sure why "The Lou Gehrig Story" was made in the first place. After all, most folks who were alive back in 1956 had probably already seen the Hollywood biopic "Pride of the Yankees". But someone at "Climax!" thought it was a good idea and so we have this teleplay--one that is available for free download from archive.org--though I am not sure if you really should bother.
Although the true story is compelling, it's just not made that well. Wendell Corey looks nothing like Gehrig nor does he look like a ball player. Additionally, imagine making such a TV production with very little in the way of budget and no outside shots whatsoever--only sound stages for the entire film. Because of this, they made extensive use of stock footage--twenty year old stock footage at that. Finally, the writing is at times embarrassing--especially when Lou gets word from his doctor that the disease is terminal. They never talk about the ALS or his death--and just talk in the most ridiculous baseball metaphors and language! It's unintentionally very funny.
So, if after all my warnings you still decide to see it, by all means do so. Just set your expectations rather low and perhaps you'll enjoy it.