Watch Dem Bums! The Brooklyn Dodgers

Dem Bums! The Brooklyn Dodgers from 2001 is a documentary film that chronicles the history of one of the most beloved baseball teams of all time - the Brooklyn Dodgers. The film is directed by award-winning filmmaker, Peter Miller, and features interviews with former Dodgers players, historians, fans, and other experts. The film is broken down into different segments, each of which covers a different period of the Brooklyn Dodgers' history. The first half of the film focuses on the early years of the team, from its founding in 1883 to its move to Ebbets Field in 1913. We learn about the team's first star player, John Montgomery Ward, and its first World Series appearance in 1916. The filmmakers then dive into the era of Babe Ruth and the New York Yankees, which dominated baseball during the 1920s and 1930s. Despite the Yankees' success, the Brooklyn Dodgers remained a beloved team, with dedicated fans who never lost hope.

The second half of the film focuses on the Brooklyn Dodgers' golden era, from the 1940s through the 1950s. This was the period when Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier, becoming the first African American to play in the major leagues. The film devotes a significant amount of time to Robinson's story, showing how he faced intense racism and discrimination from players, fans, and even his own teammates. The filmmakers also show how Robinson's presence on the team paved the way for other black players, including Roy Campanella and Don Newcombe.

As the Brooklyn Dodgers became more successful, they gained a reputation for being a team that could never quite win the big game. The film explores this history of heartbreak, including the famous "Shot Heard 'Round the World" in 1951, which saw Bobby Thomson hit a walk-off home run in the ninth inning of a playoff game against the Dodgers.

Finally, the film examines the Brooklyn Dodgers' move to Los Angeles in 1958, which marked the end of an era for the team and its fans. We see how the move was deeply traumatic for many Brooklynites, who felt that their team had been taken away from them. The film ends on a hopeful note, however, with interviews with former players who remember their time with the Dodgers fondly, and with footage of the new generation of Dodgers players continuing the legacy of the team.

Overall, Dem Bums! The Brooklyn Dodgers from 2001 is a powerful documentary that captures the history and spirit of one of baseball's greatest teams. The film is well-crafted and engaging, with a blend of archival footage, interviews, and narration that keeps the viewer hooked throughout. Even for those who are not baseball fans, the film is a fascinating exploration of a bygone era, and a testament to the enduring power of sports to bring people together.

Dem Bums! The Brooklyn Dodgers is a 2001 documentary with a runtime of 48 minutes.