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Poster for Bang the Drum Slowly

Bang the Drum Slowly

Seen it?

1973 | 96 min | Drama

Saturday Specialearly rating

Why it’s a Saturday Special

Critics loved it (92% on Rotten Tomatoes), despite soft box office. 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 anyone who loves a strong drama. If you loved Holes, start here.
The mood
Emotional (bring tissues).
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 36 min.
What might put you off
  • Rated PG. Worth a look first if you have very young kids.
  • Made in 1973: an older pace and style.

The story of a New York pro baseball team and two of its players. Henry Wiggen is the star pitcher and Bruce Pearson is the normal, everyday catcher who is far from the star player on the team and friend to all of his teammates. During the off-season, Bruce learns that he is terminally ill, and Henry, his only true friend, is determined to be the one person there for him during his last season with the club. Throughout the course of the season, Henry and his teammates attempt to deal with Bruce's impending illness, all the while attempting to make his last year a memorable one.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    92% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesNot counted

    Not measured yet: not enough ratings

  • AwardsSolid

    Nominated for 1 Oscar.

  • Reach & staying powerBelow par

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

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 57K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by John D. Hancock

  • Michael MoriartyHenry Wiggen
  • Robert De NiroBruce Pearson
  • Vincent GardeniaDutch Schnell
  • Phil FosterJoe
  • Ann WedgeworthKatie
  • Patrick McVeyBruce's Father
  • Heather MacRaeHolly
  • Selma DiamondTootsie
  • Barbara BabcockTeam Owner
  • Maurice RosenfieldTeam Owner