Bang the Drum Slowly (1973)

Directed by John Hancock. Starring Michael Moriarty, Robert De Niro, Vincent Gardenia, Phil Foster, Ann Wedgeworth, Patrick McVey, Tom Signorelli, Heather MacRae, Tom Ligon, Danny Aiello, Selma Diamond. [PG]

Episodic story of a slow-witted pro baseball catcher (De Niro) who learns he’s going to die soon from Hodgkin’s disease, and the street-smart pitcher (Moriarty) who stays by his side and tries to keep it a secret from the rest of the team. Comparisons to Brian’s Song from a couple years earlier are hard to refute or ignore, but those similarities exist only on the surface, and this one’s examination of friendship is both sketchier and more mature because it doesn’t tap into the well of sentimentality as often. Good performances, credible sports/clubhouse atmosphere. Gets lost in the details sometimes—insurance schemes, card game grifts, the manager’s relentless prodding for the truth behind a trip to Minnesota, etc.—and features the expected maudlin moments, but they don’t dominate the film, and the scripting is sensitive and humorous enough to accept. Adapted by Mark Harris from his own 1956 novel. Aiello’s first film role; Barbara Babcock appears in one scene.

72/100