Tiger Town

This film begins with a man named "Buddy" (Ron McLarty) and his young son "Alex" (Justin Henry) watching a baseball game at Tiger Stadium in Detroit. Remarkably, such is their allegiance to their team that, even though the Tigers are in last place midway through the season and 16 games behind the first place Baltimore Orioles, both of them remain steadfast fans. Not only that, but Alex idolizes the right-fielder "Billy Young" (Roy Scheider) in spite of the fact that he is having a terrible season and will be retiring after it is all over. But then one day, without warning, tragedy strikes as Buddy dies. Needless to say, this completely devastates Alex who subsequently turns to the only things that he has left to fill this terrible void-the Detroit Tigers and his idol Billy Young. And even though they remain in last place the young boy remains convinced that the Tigers-and Billy Young-can turn their season around. If only he truly believes it. Sure enough, the very next day, at Tiger Stadium and in front of Alex's eyes, Billy Young magically recaptures his hitting prowess and lifts the Tigers to an incredible come-from-behind victory. Not only that, but with each game that Alex attends both Billy Young and the Tigers continue their improbable rise through the standings. And with each victory Alex becomes more and more convinced in the power of of his belief. Now rather than reveal any more I will just say that this turned out to be a decent made-for-television sports-drama which managed to capture the essence of baseball to a young boy who needed something to fill a huge void in his life. The fact that this film incorporated the city of Detroit during its time of decline was also noteworthy. In any case, although I would have preferred a bit more action and less drama, I still enjoyed this film for the most part and for that reason I have rated it accordingly. Slightly above average.

I love this movie for a few reasons. First it was about the slumping Tigers and this was in 1983. If you remember, the Tigers won the series in 1984. Second, the fact that it casts Ernie Harwell, Ray Lane, and Sparky Anderson. Now that Comerica Park is built, Tiger Stadium stands sadly wilting away a few blocks away. This movie now reminds me of what it used to be like to watch a game at the corner of Michigan and Trumbull. From the Bismarck brand vendors to the right field upper deck that hung over the warning track. I loved Tiger Stadium. This movie has a good plot but the rest of the Tiger surroundings are what make it special.

"Tiger Town" is 75 minutes of unpretentious, lovingly rendered magic. Written and directed by 25-year-old Alan Shapiro, "Tiger Town" tells the story of a 12-year-old Detroit Tigers fan, and a veteran ballplayer -- patterned after Al Kaline -- who leads his team to a pennant after a midseason slump.

The boy, played by Justin Henry, believes that he can will his idol into performing well through fierce concentration in the stands. He and the seasoned slugger, played by Roy Scheider, meet in only one brief scene. They have a connection, but it would ruin it to label it. You could call it a film about baseball and faith, but that sounds corny and this film isn't.

Much of the production focuses on baseball action, and it's elegantly and excitingly executed with a fervent fan's eye for intriguing detail. Crisp photography, adroit sound modulation, deft editing and a bright, economical score all add to the impact of this charismatic mood piece. The film was shot at Tiger Stadium, and at other Detroit locations, which are evocatively conveyed.

Henry's low-key performance in this film is winsome without being protoypically Disneyesque. As the ballplayer with the blazing bat, Scheider doesn't have many lines, but the range of emotions registered on his face during his triumphs and slumps are priceless. Former Tigers manager and baseball legend Sparky Anderson, Hall of Fame broadcaster Ernie Harwell, and ex-Supreme Mary Wilson make cameo appearances and enhance the authentic flavor of the film.

But it's Shapiro's success, right down to the tension he builds as Henry almost misses the final game. Packed with inventiveness, vitality and economy, "Tiger Town" strikes home. Shapiro's brought of a gem of a film.

I never knew this film existed until I was looking for 80's Detroit Tiger games on ebay and saw this old VHS. My wife and I are having a boy in august and I have been shopping for Disney movies anyway and accidentally came across a Detroit Tiger Disney movie. Seeing I am a huge Tiger fan and plan to take my boy to many games at comerica park this film will be perfect for getting him a jump on becoming a Tiger fan too. I just watched it the other day and I think any kid would love this film. Maybee if my dad wasn't such a piece of crap I too would have enjoyed this movie as a kid. If you have kids who are into baseball or into sports in general then you should buy a used VHS copy of Tiger Town on ebay. I know there have been people on this board who said it came out on DVD in august of 2004 but trust me I have looked everywhere on the internet and it is nowhere to be found!

I LOVED this movie when I was a kid! I grew up all over the world - dad was in the Air Force, but mom and dad were BOTH born and raised in Detroit so, naturally, I've been a Tigers fan since BIRTH! This movie is great - a must-see for Tiger fans - all 5 of us! Hehe...just kidding!