Bang The Drum Slowly

Starring:Michael Moriarty, Robert De Niro, Vincent Gardenia, Phil Foster, Ann Wedgeworth, Heather MacRae, Selma Diamond, Barbara Babcock, Maurice Rosenfield, Tom Ligon, Andy Jarrell, Marshall Efron, Danny Burks, Tom Signorelli, James Donahue, Hector Elias, Nicolas Surovy, Danny Aiello, Hector Troy, Tony Major
Director: John D. Hancock
Studio: Paramount
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

Only those with ice water in their veins won't get misty-eyed watching this moving film about the friendship of two professional baseball players, one of whom--in every sense--is playing his last season. A pre-stardom Robert De Niro portrays a rather simple-minded rookie catcher who comes under the wing of a veteran pitcher (Michael Moriarty). When De Niro's character is diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease, Moriarty tries to help him get through one more season. Directed by John Hancock and based on the novel by Mark Harris (who also wrote the screenplay), the film builds on baseball's ability to foster its own lore of courage, nobility, loyalty, and--sadly--tragedy. Watching the youthful De Niro and Moriarty, with all that promise in their bones, adds to the overall romance of the film today. Also appearing are Vincent Gardenia and Danny Aiello. A perennial favorite for many. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews:

Di Niro comes to bat.......2007-06-28

Bang the drum slowly is a great movie. Robert Di niro was unknown at the time, dominates the movie, the rest of the cast do a great job. Barbara Babcock is beautiful. This film is a sad film, except the Baseball part wich includes highlights from real games fans will remember the players. There are people who hate Baseball that love Bang the drum slowly.i agree with the comparison to Brians Song. i like Bang the Drum slowly better,because of Di Niro.

More About Real Friendship Than Baseball.......2006-04-17

There was nothing hokey overly melodramatic about this story, and usually you get that with a sports story or about a good person dying. In this case, we have a combination of the two.
This is simply a mellow, sweet-natured human interest story well-acted by the two main stars: Michael Moriarity and Robert De Niro. Both are nice to watch, playing very easy-going non-offensive characters.
Moriarty plays a pitcher on a pennant-contending team who lovingly looks after his not-so-smart-but-dying teammate and friend (De Niro). By today's standards, it's slow-moving but I never got bored with it in several viewings. As nice a film as it is, there is one warning: a lot profanity by the manager (Vincent Gardenia) but it's not a kids' movie anyway.
I watched it years ago and then again recently when it came out on DVD. It's hard to get excited about it, yet it's a memorable story that I could never get out of my head. We all wish we had friends like the one Moriarty portrays here.

One of my husband's all time favorites.......2006-03-09

Though I haven't seen it yet, my husband considers it a must-have classic.

Bang The Drum Slowly.......2005-08-10

This sad, moving film showcases emerging brilliance of young DeNiro, with the underrated Moriarty also turning in a superb performance. Both baseball fans and devotees of great film alike should readily agree on this title.

Unforgettable Movie!.......2004-06-19

This is the film that you will not forget.This is a story of two roommates attempting to get through one final season. Michael plays the role of a pitcher who is the roommate of Robert DeNiro who plays the role of the catcher.DeNiro is
diagnosed with Hodgkins disease. Michael as his roommate and
intimate friend helps DeNiro cope with Hodgkins as well as
make the season to the end. This is one of the more touching
films that I have watched.It would compare to "Brian's Song"
as far as being emotional.DeNiro,in this movie definitely showed
signs of great things to come for him.And,who could ever forget
the haunting song that accompanied the movie.A definite must see.

Average customer rating:

Bang the Drum Slowly

Manufacturer: Paramount Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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