William Bendix

Like my kids and granpeeps, I played baseball when younger. But, I'm not a baseball fanatic. I just enjoy the game.

So, I always watch this movie to be entertained, and it does.

I don't care about the accuracy as much as it celebrated the greatness of the man in the sport as well as his charity. His so called "reckless lifestyle" is child's play compared today's spoiled and troublesome over paid "sports stars".

Seldom do Hollywood movies ever come close to the truth and we don't seem to mind as long as they give us our money's worth.

This movie was made over 60 years ago. It would be good to remember the times then as it was created with what the public wanted…the country was coming out of the depth of WWII.

In many ways, America was a better country then. If you don't know what I'm talking about, I doubt you ever will. Pop culture and the PC crowd has seen to this.

But on to William Bendix, a vastly underrated actor.

I've always enjoyed him since I was a kid. Then he was a popular figure in American culture. Since, he's been like an old reliable friend whenever I see him on TCM or on reruns of old TV shows or listening to him on old time radio.

To me, his portrayal of the "Babe" was excellent and it only reinforces my respect for his abilities.

If you ever see his dramatic skills in "Lifeboat" or "Wake Island" or hear or see him with perfect comedic timing as that lovable character, Chester, in "The Life of Riley," you will not be disappointed.

I wish there were more actors like William Bendix today.