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Bang the Drum Slowly poster

Bang the Drum Slowly

1973 · 1h 36m · Drama · United States of America · Rated PG (US)

Nothing is more important than friendship. Not fame, not money, not death.

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.

Directed by
John D. Hancock
Written by
Mark Harris
Based on the novel by
Mark Harris
Starring
Michael Moriarty, Robert De Niro, Vincent Gardenia, Phil Foster
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6.1Smart score

The TMDB rating, pulled toward the movie average (6.03) as if it had 82 extra average votes. Few votes means more pull.

TMDB6.1

81 TMDB votes · IMDb page

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Free · 1United States

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Style & content

baseball playerterminal illness
RatingPG (US)

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Connected through the crew

Let's Scare Jessica to Death1971 · Writer John D. Hancock, Director John D. HancockPrancer1989 · Director John D. HancockNight of Dark Shadows1971 · Cinematographer Richard ShoreWeeds1987 · Writer John D. Hancock, Director John D. HancockCalifornia Dreaming1979 · Director John D. HancockBaby Blue Marine1976 · Director John D. HancockSuspended Animation2001 · Director John D. HancockBang the Drum Slowly1956 · Writer Mark Harris

Browse lists

Best Drama Movies of the 1970sBest Drama Movies of All Time