The Babe Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A really big guy hits balls with a stick, yells a lot, and somehow this makes everyone famous, even though he seems more likely to accidentally set something on fire.

🍿 The Babe: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Early Life and Discovery

The film opens with George Herman Ruth Jr.’s difficult childhood, abandoned by his father and raised in a Catholic orphanage. His innate baseball talent is recognized early on by Brother Mathias, who becomes his mentor. He is spotted and recruited to play professional baseball, marking the beginning of his legendary career.

Rise to Stardom

Ruth’s career takes off as he moves through different teams, eventually becoming a star player. His exceptional home-run hitting ability captivates audiences and transforms baseball. The film depicts his growing fame, lavish lifestyle, and the challenges he faces with newfound wealth and attention.

Personal Struggles and Controversies

The movie delves into Babe Ruth’s personal life, showcasing his struggles with fame, relationships, and personal demons. It portrays his complex relationship with his wives, his carousing habits, and the controversies that surround his public persona. This includes glimpses of conflict with teammates and authority figures.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Babe Ruth (John Goodman): The legendary baseball player who rises from an orphanage to become a larger-than-life figure, struggling with personal demons and the pressures of fame.
• Claire Ruth (Kelly McGillis): Babe Ruth’s second wife who provides stability and guidance amidst his chaotic life.
• Helen Ruth (Trini Alvarado): Babe Ruth’s first wife, a country girl unsuited to the fast-paced life of a baseball star.
• Jumpin’ Joe Dugan (Bruce Boxleitner): Babe Ruth’s teammate who embodies the spirit of the Roaring Twenties baseball era.
• Frazee (Peter Donat): The owner who makes a deal which changes baseball history.
• Brother Mathias (James Cromwell): The head of the orphanage who sees Ruth’s potential and fosters his baseball talent.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Babe Ruth: “I swing big, with everything I’ve got. I hit big or I miss big. I like to live as big as I can.” – Ruth explains his approach to baseball and life, emphasizing his desire to live life to the fullest.
• Babe Ruth: “It’s hard when you know you’re disappointing people.” – Reflects Ruth’s awareness of his impact and the pressure he feels to perform.
• Babe Ruth: “Heroes get remembered, but legends never die.” – Spoken near the end of his career, expressing his understanding of his enduring impact.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $25,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $17,530,973
• Worldwide Gross: $19,930,973

💥 The Babe Reviews

Personal Review

I went in hoping for a grand slam, but it felt more like a foul ball. Goodman was great at portraying Ruth’s larger-than-life personality, but the movie seemed afraid to really dig deep. I wanted more baseball action and less melodrama. The scene where he promises the kid two home runs definitely got me choked up, but overall, it was a bit of a letdown. It’s a decent movie, but not the definitive Babe Ruth story I was hoping for.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Baseball fans”
  • “John Goodman fans”
  • “Viewers interested in sports biopics”
  • “Those seeking a nostalgic look at American baseball history”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Alcohol use”
  • “Some language”
  • “Suggestive themes”
  • “Mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• Roger Ebert: “Goodman embodies the physical presence of Ruth but struggles to capture the nuances of the legend. The film hits predictable biopic beats, focusing more on scandal than skill, and ultimately feels superficial.
• Variety: “John Goodman is excellent, yet the screenplay oversimplifies Ruth’s life. The movie presents a highlight reel without diving into the heart of the man. Fans may enjoy Goodman’s performance, but the film lacks depth.

Audience Reactions

John Goodman perfectly embodied the essence of Babe Ruth with his performance.: Viewers generally agree that John Goodman’s portrayal of Babe Ruth was the film’s strongest aspect.

The movie captured the spirit and excitement of baseball during Babe Ruth’s era.: Many viewers appreciated the movie for showcasing the energy and enthusiasm surrounding baseball in the early 20th century.

Overall Consensus: While John Goodman’s performance is praised, the film is criticized for historical inaccuracies and a superficial portrayal of Babe Ruth’s life.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “John Goodman, despite being a well-known actor, reportedly felt immense pressure portraying such an iconic figure and was concerned about living up to expectations.”
• “Some baseball scenes were filmed at historic ballparks to enhance the authenticity of the period, but required significant set dressing to remove modern elements.”
• “The film takes liberties with historical accuracy for dramatic effect, leading to criticism from baseball historians and Babe Ruth biographers.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Babe?

As of October 2024, “The Babe” (1992) is available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability and pricing.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Babe, you might like these similar films:

• Pride of the Yankees (1942): A classic, albeit more sanitized, baseball biopic focusing on Lou Gehrig’s life and career. Shares the same era and baseball themes.
• 42 (2013): Focuses on Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier in baseball. It captures the challenges and triumphs of a baseball legend facing adversity.
• Moneyball (2011): Deals with baseball but focuses on the analytical side and the struggle to change old traditions, which contrasts the traditional narrative of ‘The Babe’.

🛒 The Babe Related Products

• Babe Ruth: A Life: A detailed biography by Ronald A. Reis focuses on the complexity of Babe Ruth, his baseball achievements, personal struggles, and cultural impact, offering deeper insights than the movie.
• New York Yankees Vintage Baseball Cap: A vintage style New York Yankees baseball cap, reminiscent of the era when Babe Ruth dominated the sport. High-quality materials and authentic design make this a must-have for baseball enthusiasts.
• Babe Ruth Funko Pop! Vinyl Figure: A Funko Pop! vinyl figure of Babe Ruth in his classic Yankees uniform, a fun and collectible item for fans of all ages.
• MLB The Show 24 (PS5): Allows players to recreate legendary moments in baseball history, including the Babe Ruth era. Players can step into the shoes of iconic baseball stars and relive their greatest games.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Babe features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” – performed by Jack Norworth and Albert Von Tilzer
• “Muskrat Ramble” – performed by Kid Ory and Ray Gilbert

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Pawn Stars: Mint Condition 1923 Babe Ruth Baseball Card | History

Ever wondered how much a mint-condition Babe Ruth baseball card is worth? Check out this Pawn Stars clip where they bring in an expert to assess a rare 1923 card – the valuation is mind-blowing!

Pawn Stars: Babe Ruth’s 1932 “Called Shot” Bat (Season 15) | History

Imagine owning a piece of baseball history! This Pawn Stars segment features a Babe Ruth bat, possibly used during his famous ‘called shot’ – the story behind it is incredible and so is the potential price tag!

Babe Ruth hits a home run in 1920 – Restored Footage

See Babe Ruth in action! This restored footage from 1920 captures the legend himself hitting a home run. It’s amazing to see how the game has changed…or maybe hasn’t!

✨ Rate