Robert Redford stars in this inspiring fable as Roy Hobbs, a man determined to fulfill his childhood dream of success playing baseball and being known as “the best there ever was”.
As a young teen, Hobbs begins his journey by fashioning a powerful bat from a fallen oak tree. His talent for the game soon captures the attention of scouts and sportswriter Max Mercy (Duvall), who eventually becomes instrumental in Hobbs’ career. However, a fateful encounter with a mysterious woman (Barbara Hershey) shatters his dream.
Years pass and an older Hobbs reappears as a rookie for the New York Knights. Overcoming physical pain and defying those who have a vested interest in seeing the Knights lose, Hobbs, with his boyhood bat, is provided an opportunity to lead the team to the pennant and to finally fulfill his dream.
Also featuring Kim Basinger and Glenn Close, this baseball picture is lookin’ as good as it did a quarter-century ago. Much credit goes to the fine cinematography work of Caleb Deschanel and the art direction led by Mel Bourne, both of which were nominated for Academy Awards.
Directed by Barry Levinson with a twist on the Bernard Malamud novel it came from, “The Natural” is a nostalgic tribute to the sport.
Happy 25th anniversary to “The Natural”.
I remember this like yesterday. Barbara Hershey as the femme fatale and Joe Don Baker as the Ruthian swatter – it was all so well photographed.
Redford was believable as a ballplayer which is key
one of the best baseball pictures ever
In 25 years there really havent been any better baseball films since The Natural, Eight Men Out and Bull Durham of the mid-late 80s.
Hey Stu dont forget that other late 80s baseball hit- Major League.
Redford showed off some of that hardball talent that earned him a college scholarship years earlier
I thought Costner carried himself as a ballplayer better, but Redford was good.