Take Me Out to the Ball Game (1949)

Synopsis: Singing, dancing baseball players Dennis Ryan (Frank Sinatra) and Eddie O'Brien (Gene Kelly) find their friendship tested when both fall for the new, female owner of their team (water-ballet diva... Singing, dancing baseball players Dennis Ryan (Frank Sinatra) and Eddie O'Brien (Gene Kelly) find their friendship tested when both fall for the new, female owner of their team (water-ballet diva Esther Williams). Meanwhile, a crooked gambler (Edward Arnold) tries to sabotage the big game by getting O'Brien fired. It all gets resolved with lots of comedy, songs, dances, and baseball action in a colorful, turn-of-the-century setting. (Miss Williams even swims a few laps in the hotel pool.) Busby Berkeley directed TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME, but left the choreography to Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen, thus the dance numbers emphasize Kelly's athletic grace rather than the fluid camerawork that is Berkeley's signature. Berkeley's exuberant affection for early Americana and his unerring knack for zingy comedy are both on full display, however, and frowns are not an option. Songs include: "Take Me Out to the Ball Game," "The Hat My Father Wore on St. Patrick's Day," and "Yes, Indeedy." [More]

Starring: Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra, Esther Williams, Betty Garrett

Starring: Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra, Esther Williams, Betty Garrett, Edward Arnold, Jules Munshin, Richard Lane, Tom Dugan, Murray Alper, Wilton Graff, Mack Gray, Douglas Fowley

Director: Busby Berkeley

Director: Busby Berkeley
Producer: Arthur Freed
Screenwriter: Harry Tugend
Composer: Roger Edens, Adolph Deutsch

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