This should be cloying, but Clarence Brown directs with such conviction and the entire cast acts with such sincerity that it works. The growing love between young Janet Leigh and middle-aged Paul Douglas is a little creepy, but since its going to result in a cute little orphan getting a new mommy and daddy, who can object? Bruce Bennett is particularly fine as an aging pitcher with a shot at one last great game. Also . . look for cameos by Jumpin' Joe DiMaggio and Ty Cobb.

Pleasant baseball fantasy. Sweet-natured and innocent, this is a lot more fun than the FX-tricked-up Disney remake.

The remake is definitely worse, but it's a very boring movie.