Casey at the Bat (1927)

Synopsis
Because of its heavy reliance on slapstick (a no-no for features in the late '20s), this picture, very loosely based on the Ernest Thayer poem, got mixed reviews. But with comedians like Wallace Beery, Ford Sterling, ZaSu Pitts, and Sterling Holloway in the cast, it's a surprise that anyone wouldn't expect slapstick! Casey (Beery) is a junk dealer whose helper is the 13-year-old Spec (the very freckled Spec O'Donnell). He's in love with Camille, who runs a millinery stop (Pitts), but he is taken away from the small town where he lives when he is signed up by the New York Giants. Casey seems to be more interested in beer drinking than he is in playing baseball, so he is introduced to Trixie, a Floradora girl (Iris Stuart), in the hopes that this will distract him from the brew. Casey's rival for Camille attempts to get him drunk so he will miss the Big Game. Spec shows up in time to get him up to bat. Unfortunately, Casey strikes out and all his friends and fans leave him -- except for Spec. And when he arrives home, Casey finds that Camille is waiting for him. ~ Janiss Garza, All Movie Guide