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61*

61*

TV Movie · Drama · History · 2001

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?

Movie details

61*

“Why did America have room in its heart for only one hero?”

2001 TV Movie · Drama · History 2h 9m

Critical arithmetic

One number, for now.

TMDB

7.0 / 10

Community rating

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?

CriticWise case file

What this film says about your taste.

Not a recommendation score. A measure of how closely the film’s taste signals resemble yours.

The archetype split

Who fights over 61*?

The split comes from the same five-axis model used by the test, not audience ratings or review sentiment.

Taste neighbourhood

Nearby on the taste map.

TMDB supplies the candidates. CriticWise reorders them by craft, strangeness, prestige, emotion, and pace.

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Big George Foreman

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Mr. Turner

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Mank

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Selena

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Names above the title

The people responsible.

Directed by

Billy Crystal

Written by

Hank Steinberg

Barry Pepper

Barry Pepper

Roger Maris

Thomas Jane

Thomas Jane

Mickey Mantle

Anthony Michael Hall

Anthony Michael Hall

Whitey Ford

Richard Masur

Richard Masur

Milt Kahn

Bruce McGill

Bruce McGill

Ralph Houk

Chris Bauer

Chris Bauer

Bob Cerv

Jennifer Crystal Foley

Jennifer Crystal Foley

Pat Maris ('61)

Court is in session

Put 61* on trial.

Two incompatible taste archetypes. One film. Read the arguments, then issue a completely binding cultural ruling.

The defence The Prestige Tourist

“Ambition earns the room.”

The film reaches for consequence and scale, accepting the risk of seriousness instead of shrinking from it.

The prosecution The Popcorn Loyalist

“Importance has entered the chat.”

The production keeps announcing its significance, as though awards-season posture were proof of insight.