Watch Elmer the Great
- Approved
- 1933
- 1 hr 12 min
-
6.0 (630)
Elmer the Great is a 1933 sports-comedy film starring the hilarious Joe E. Brown as a small-town baseball pitcher named Elmer Kane. Set in the midst of the Great Depression, Elmer is a likable but goofy character who dreams of making it big in the Major Leagues. When he's discovered by a scout from the Chicago Cubs, he thinks his dreams have come true. However, things don't go quite as expected.
The first time Elmer takes the mound for the Cubs, he's nervous and not quite ready for the big leagues. He bumbles his way through the game, making a fool of himself and getting booed by the fans. But Elmer doesn't give up easily. He's determined to succeed and prove himself as a great pitcher, despite his unorthodox style and lack of experience.
Along the way, Elmer meets a spunky newspaper reporter named Lillian (played by Patricia Ellis), who takes a liking to him and decides to help him out by writing a series of articles about his journey to the top. Lillian believes in Elmer and his ability to become a great player, even when he doesn't believe in himself.
With Lillian's support and a newfound confidence in himself, Elmer starts to improve on the mound. He develops a new pitch, the "hesitation ball", that confounds batters and makes him even more of an up-and-coming star. But Elmer's success is not without its challenges.
The film takes a turn when Elmer's old girlfriend (played by Claire Dodd) comes back into his life. She's a gold-digger who wants to marry him now that he's becoming famous. Despite the warnings of those around him, Elmer falls for her scheme and ends up losing everything he's worked for. It's up to Lillian and Elmer's friends to help him get back on his feet and back in the game.
Filled with hilarious mishaps, heartwarming moments, and some great baseball action, Elmer the Great is a classic sports-comedy that will have audiences rooting for the underdog. Joe E. Brown steals the show with his comedic timing and physical humor, while Patricia Ellis is charming as the tough but lovable reporter who sees the potential in Elmer. Frank McHugh provides comic relief as Elmer's best friend and teammate, who tries to keep him out of trouble.
The film also features some fantastic baseball scenes, shot on location at Wrigley Field in Chicago. Fans of the game will appreciate the attention to detail and authenticity of the baseball action. The crowd scenes are especially impressive, with thousands of extras filling the stands and cheering on the players.
Overall, Elmer the Great is a fun and entertaining film that blends humor, romance, and sports in a way that will keep audiences engaged from start to finish. Joe E. Brown's performance is a highlight, and the film's message about believing in oneself and never giving up is still relevant today. Whether you're a fan of baseball or just looking for a good laugh, Elmer the Great is a film that should not be missed.