The Natural

1984
PG
2h 18m

IMDb RATING

7.4/10

53K

YOUR RATING

Home Video Trailer from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

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3 Videos

65 Photos

Baseball Drama Sport

A middle-aged unknown comes seemingly out of nowhere to become a legendary baseball player with almost supernatural talent.A middle-aged unknown comes seemingly out of nowhere to become a legendary baseball player with almost supernatural talent.A middle-aged unknown comes seemingly out of nowhere to become a legendary baseball player with almost supernatural talent.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

7.4/10

53K

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Nominated for 4 Oscars
- 3 wins & 8 nominations total

Trivia
The bat that bat boy Bobby Savoy gives Roy is called the "Savoy Special". The Savoy Special was a brand of beer in the 1930s, and was made by the United States Brewing Company. This bat is now in the collection at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, New York, displayed along with Roy Hobb's jacket in an exhibit titled "Baseball and the Movies".

Goofs
In the game where Hobbs breaks the Wrigley Field clock, his homer ends the game, as everyone in the stands begins to leave and Hobbs gets mobbed by the press. But since the Knights were the visitors, the Cubs get to bat last.

The movie depicts the 1939 season. Prior to the 1950 season the home team had the option to bat first or last so it was possible for the visiting team to bat in the bottom of an inning.

Quotes
Iris Gaines: You know, I believe we have two lives.
Roy Hobbs: How... what do you mean?
Iris Gaines: The life we learn with and the life we live with after that.

Alternate versions
There is an edited version which was released in several European countries (e.g. United Kingdom, West Germany). This version edits many dialogue and playing scenes to tighten up the pacing. It runs approx. 14 minutes shorter than the US theatrical version.

Connections
Featured in At the Movies: Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom/The Natural (1984)

Soundtracks
The Star Spangled Banner
Lyrics by Francis Scott Key
Music by John Stafford Smith
Performed by Kate Smith
Courtesy of RCA Records

User reviews247

Review

Featured review

9/10

Superb Film

One of my all time favorites. Everything about this movie appears authentic. From the time period, to the baseball scenes. These guys really look like a baseball team.

Redford is low-key and stoic, but he hits just the right note for the character. Everybody else, especially Robert Duvall and Wilford Brimley, are fantastic.

A touching story, without being hokey. You get the feeling you are watching something mystical and magical along with all the characters in the movie, and it is played with just the right note.

Thrilling and inspiring. A well-made, well-acted film.