Customer Reviews

Bang the Drum Slowly [VHS]

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Starring Paul Newman, Albert Salmi, Rudy Bond and George Peppard. An original television production written by Arnold Schulman, directed by Daniel Petrie, Produced by Marshall Jamison.

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The dramatic impact of this 'golden age' television production is evident from the first moment Paul Newman appears on camera as Henry Wiggen, an all-star major league pitcher for the N.Y. Marathons.

His buddy and roommate on the road is Bruce Pearson (Albert Salmi), a third string catcher who will never experience the thrill of a cheering crowd. A simple, good-natured country boy, Bruce is alternately teased by his teammates and chewed out by Dutch, the team manager. Bruce shares a tragic secret with Wiggen, and it affects both of their lives profoundly. As a result, their relationship takes on a new dimension, with Wiggen feeling a special responsibility toward his teammate. This is a powerful human story, with characters you'll never forget.

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This home video collector's edition includes a special backstage introduction hosted by Cliff Robertson. Albert Salmi, George Peppard and others recall this landmark presentation and the memorable performance of a young Paul Newman on that night in 1956 when BAND THE DRUM SLOWLY was telecast for the first time.

A worthy story - but badly abbreviated in this made-for-TV special. The version of "Bang the Drum Slowly" to watch - again and again - is the version starring Michael Moriarty and Robert DeNiro. You don't have to be a baseball fan to enjoy it.