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Poster for 61*

61*

Seen it?

2001 | 129 min | TV Movie, Drama, History

Saturday Specialearly rating

Why it’s a Saturday Special

It won 2 Emmys and it earned strong reviews (86% on Rotten Tomatoes), despite little lasting buzz. A strong pick for the weekend.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for history buffs. If you loved Air, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Thoughtful and character-driven.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 9 min.
What might put you off
  • Rated R: meant for adults.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

In 1961, Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle played for the New York Yankees. One, Mantle, was universally loved, while the other, Maris, was universally hated. Both men started off with a bang, and both were nearing Babe Ruth's 60 home run record. Which man would reach it?

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsStrong

    86% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.0 out of 10

  • AwardsVery strong

    Won 2 Emmys: Primetime Emmy Awards: Outstanding Casting for a Miniseries, Movie or Special, Primetime Emmy Awards: Outstanding Sound Editing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Special. Also nominated for 9 more Emmys.

  • Reach & staying powerSolid

    Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactBelow par

    About 59K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Billy Crystal

  • Barry PepperRoger Maris
  • Thomas JaneMickey Mantle
  • Anthony Michael HallWhitey Ford
  • Richard MasurMilt Kahn
  • Bruce McGillRalph Houk
  • Chris BauerBob Cerv
  • Jennifer Crystal FoleyPat Maris ('61)
  • Christopher McDonaldMel Allen
  • Haynes BrookeDetroit Bartender
  • Bob GuntonDan Topping