One in a Million: The Ron LeFlore Story (1978)
The true story of baseball star Ron LeFlore, from his days as a street-corner punk with no future to his days behind bars on a petty robbery conviction to his ultimate once-in-a-lifetime chance with the Detroit Tigers, where he became an outstanding baseball player.
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If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.
There are better movies of two hours length. I loved the actress'performance.
This movie tries so hard to be funny, yet it falls flat every time. Just another example of recycled ideas repackaged with women in an attempt to appeal to a certain audience.
The movie turns out to be a little better than the average. Starting from a romantic formula often seen in the cinema, it ends in the most predictable (and somewhat bland) way.
The story of Ron LeFlore's rise from inner city small time crook to major league baseball player is wonderfully portrayed. LeVar Burton shows the same character immersion he displayed in other 70's films like 'Dummy' and of course, 'Roots'.Larry B Scott (LaMarr from Revenge of the Nerds) plays LeFlore's younger brother, Gerald. Madge Sinclair and Paul Benjamin play Leflore's embattled parents.The film allows it's location to play a major role, from Detroit's inner city to being on the field in Tiger Stadium, It's an excellent use of backdrop to speak for itself.I can't say enough about the action sequences, once again allowing it's involvement to speak for itself. The sights and sounds of the game are allowed to play out without much distracting dialogue. There are moments you feel you're watching an actual game.This film is a true 70's classic. Someone mentioned TigerTown in their reviews. Both have elements of atmospheric quality. The major difference is the tone. TigerTown is very Disney. The Ron LeFlore Story is very dramatic. Just a great film!
during the late 80s, these made for TV biopics were being made left and right. along comes this well acted and great story of former TIGER/EXPOS/WHITE SOX star Mr Ron LeFLORE. Lavar Burton is at his best in this film, very convincing. he really looked like a big leaguer and was able to even have the swing that Leflore had and his quick speed. this was always one of my favorite films on TV growing up, and the film still has a great impact on the 'baseball films'. its probably one of the most underrated and not well know baseball films. even today Ron Leflore still has a youth program for 'city kids' and is still involved with helping others from getting their lives back on track and keeping the kids of today out of trouble. i recently found a VHS Commercial copy of this film! and hope to see it make a DVD release someday, with some bonus material for all of us Ron Leflore, or just baseball fans all around. if you have the chance to see this film on TBS or whatever..check it out!
Levar Burton is a genius, and here is a great early work of his. A great baseball story, shot by the cinematographer of "Bladerunner." Finding it on video will be hard (unless you're near Scarecrow Video in Seattle), but you may catch it on TNT/TBS - every once in a while they show it.