What It's About:

During the early 40s, keenly feeling the absence of baseball with the men away fighting overseas, businessman Walter Harvey (Garry Marshall, the director’s older brother) decides to invest in an all-women’s pro baseball league. Rival ball-playing sisters Dottie (Davis) and Kit (Petty) get signed up, and go on to have a memorable time on the road with their teammates. However, their alcoholic manager, Jimmy Duggan (Hanks), seems less than motivated to lead them- at first.

Why I Love It:

Warmly nostalgic, heartwarming and hilarious, Penny Marshall’s underrated gem (based on fact) features one of Tom Hanks’s most memorable comic performances as a former baseball star turned alcoholic manager, who feels totally humiliated at the prospect of managing all all-girls team. The various players under his initially shaky leadership make up a terrific ensemble as well, including- believe it or not-Madonna and Rosie O’Donnell. The Golden Globe-nominated Davis anchors the film in one of her most sympathetic roles as Dottie. Okay, ladies- batter up!