Watch Damn Yankees - Gwen Verdon, Tab Hunter In The Motion Picture Classic

Damn Yankees is a classic musical comedy movie from 1958, starring Tab Hunter and Gwen Verdon. Based on the Broadway musical of the same name, the movie tells the story of Joe Boyd (Hunter), a middle-aged, die-hard Washington Senators fan who would do anything to see his favorite team win the pennant. One night, in frustration, Joe turns to the devil, Mister Applegate (Walston), for help.

Applegate offers Joe a deal: he will turn himself into an athletic and talented baseball player, called Joe Hardy, and play for the Senators, in exchange for his soul. Joe accepts the deal and becomes an instant sensation, leading the Senators to a winning streak. But soon, he realizes that he has left behind his loving wife Meg (Verdon) and his old life, and must find a way back to them.

The movie is a delightful blend of comedy, romance, and sports. The story is set in the 1950s and captures the era's enthusiasm for baseball and love of the game. The movie's themes of loyalty, temptation, and redemption are timeless and resonate with audiences even today.

Tab Hunter is charming as Joe Boyd and Joe Hardy, capturing the wide-eyed wonder of a man who finds himself living his dream. He also shows great chemistry with Gwen Verdon, whose character is the heart of the movie. Meg is a loyal and understanding wife who supports Joe, even when he is not himself, and Verdon brings her to life with warmth and humor.

Ray Walston is a scene-stealer as the devilish Applegate, whose sly and manipulative manner is both amusing and unsettling. His musical numbers, such as "Those Were the Good Old Days" and "The Goodbye Song," are fun and energetic, and his dancing and physical comedy are impressive.

The supporting cast is also excellent, with standout performances from Shannon Bolin as Meg's friend and confidante, Lola, and Robert Shafer as Joe's baseball buddy, Rocky. The musical numbers are catchy and memorable, ranging from the upbeat "Heart" to the sultry "Whatever Lola Wants." The choreography is lively and adds to the movie's energetic spirit.

The movie's colorful sets and costumes capture the era's style and charm, and the baseball scenes are well-shot and exciting. The special effects used to create Applegate's transformations and magical powers are simple but effective, showcasing the movie's sense of humor and whimsy.

Overall, Damn Yankees is a fun and entertaining movie that will appeal to fans of musicals, sports, and romance. Its themes of loyalty, temptation, and redemption make it a timeless classic, and its talented cast and crew bring the story to life with energy and charm. It is a must-watch for anyone who loves classic movies or musicals, and a great introduction to the world of Broadway musicals.

Damn Yankees - Gwen Verdon, Tab Hunter In The Motion Picture Classic is a 1958 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 50 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.