The Pride of St. Louis

Watch The Pride of St. Louis

"The Story of Dizzy Dean!"
  • NR
  • 1952
  • 1 hr 33 min
  • 6.5  (768)

The Pride of St. Louis is a heartfelt and inspiring biographical sports film released in 1952, helmed by director Harmon Jones and starring Dan Dailey, Joanne Dru, and Richard Hylton. The movie delves into the life and career of one of baseball's most storied pitchers, Jerome Herman "Dizzy" Dean, a beloved and colorful character who captured the hearts of America during the 1930s with his exceptional pitching skills and his larger-than-life personality.

The film opens by establishing Dizzy Dean's humble beginnings, portraying his early life in the rural South where he developed his passion for baseball. The narrative quickly progresses to his entry into professional baseball, where he starts making a name for himself in the minor leagues. Dan Dailey embodies the role of Dizzy Dean with a striking balance of charisma and stubbornness, bringing to life a man who was equally known for his self-confidence and his prowess on the pitching mound.

Dizzy's rise to fame is not just about his exceptional throwing arm, but also about his off-field antics and his brash, unapologetic speech that endeared him to fans and irritated others in equal measure. The movie captures the spirit of the times, effectively showcasing the Great Depression era and how a sport like baseball could provide hope and distraction for a weary nation.

Joanne Dru stars as Patricia Nash Dean, Dizzy’s supportive and loving wife who struggles with the challenges of being married to a man whose life is ruled by the game. Her performance adds depth to the film, grounding Dizzy's larger-than-life character by showing a more personal and intimate side of his life. The relationship between Dizzy and Patricia is explored, providing a foundation for the film that goes beyond the typical sports story and delves into human connection and sacrifice.

One of the pivotal aspects of The Pride of St. Louis is its portrayal of the legendary St. Louis Cardinals team, particularly focusing on Dean's contribution to the storied "Gashouse Gang," during a particularly successful period for the team in the 1930s. The film captures the camaraderie, the competitive spirit, and the sheer love of the game that drove these men to become one of the most memorable teams in baseball history.

Character actor Richard Hylton plays Dizzy's brother, Paul Dean, who is also a talented pitcher and represents an important figure in Dizzy’s life and career. The film delves into their relationship, chronicling the dynamics between the brothers, the rivalry, the joint achievements, and the support they provide each other both on and off the field.

A significant portion of the film revolves around Dizzy's remarkable 1934 season, where he made an audacious prediction about winning a number of games. The filmmakers recreate the fervor and excitement of that season, crafting thrilling game scenes rich with period detail, lit by the superb performances of Dailey and the supporting cast. It’s during these sequences that the film truly hits its stride, capturing the raw excitement and suspense of America’s pastime.

The Pride of St. Louis doesn’t shy away from the hardships Dean faced, including injuries and struggles that could potentially derail his career. These challenges humanize the legendary pitcher, reflecting the reality that even the brightest stars face adversity and must find ways to adapt.

The filmmakers craft the baseball sequences with an authenticity that resonates with fans of the sport, emphasizing the game’s physicality, strategy, and the intense emotional investment of both the players and the fans. Moreover, the movie does not just focus solely on Dizzy’s accomplishments but also shows how his personality and fame impact those around him, including his teammates, family, and the media.

As eloquently scored by composer Cyril Mockridge, The Pride of St. Louis is punctuated by a rousing musical backdrop that enhances the nostalgic journey through America's favorite pastime, lending an additional layer of emotion to the story.

The Pride of St. Louis is a salute to an era, a team, and most of all, a man whose name would become synonymous with excellence in sports and charisma in American culture. For audiences both in 1952 and today, this movie remains a poignant reminder that the heroes we cheer for in the grandstands are also humans with their own struggles and triumphs off the field. It is a film that uses the language of baseball to tell a tale of determination, achievement, and the price of fame, packaged within an engaging narrative and delivered by stand-out performances.

The Pride of St. Louis is a 1952 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.

The Pride of St. Louis
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Where to Watch The Pride of St. Louis
The Pride of St. Louis is available to watch, stream, download and buy on demand at Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play, YouTube VOD and Vudu. Some platforms allow you to rent The Pride of St. Louis for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    1952
  • MPAA Rating
    NR
  • Runtime
    1 hr 33 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    6.5  (768)