MovieChat Forums > 61* (2001) Discussion > Billy Crystal : Egomaniac?

Billy Crystal : Egomaniac?

posted 14 years ago by empireemp24
3 replies | jump to latest

First off I doubt many people here would disagree with my outlook on Crystal..the guy thinks he *beep* doesnt stink (like most Yankee fans) but one thing that truely bothered me about this film was the little part where Mel Allen said something along the lines of "I gotta believe that somebody someday will document Mantle and Maris and the historic 1961 season"

Now Im not certain but I gotta truely question the motive behind this line in the movie. I seriously doubt Mel Allen really said and I think it was put in solely for Crystal's pleasure.

[–] blurayrankingsdotcom 13 years ago

Ha, that's a great point that hadn't crossed my mind although I do remember the line you speak of. I'm sure that was added in.

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[–] csteve67 13 years ago

i whole heartedly disagree with your "outlook" on Crystal... who knows if Allen said it or not...but Crystal is NOT the first guy to put the Mantle/Maris story to film..so why do think it was for HIS ego?

Been a fan of his since he played Jody on the sitcom Soap in the late 70s to SNL (you look Mavolous) to those GREAT Farm Aid HBO Comedy specials (with Robin and Whoopi)to his OUTSANDING M/C duties at the Oscars...he seems like a cool guy..he's a New Yawker...but a cool guy

Maybe you should read 700 Sundays...by Billy Crystal...quick read and a good book.

GO BREWERS!

[–] littleboze 12 years ago

If you watch the documentary included on the DVD about the making of 61*, it includes an interview Roger Maris did with Mel Allen in 1961. The "real" Mel Allen says directly to the "real" Roger Maris something to the effect, "I gotta believe when this is all over, someone will write a story about the severe pressure you were under this season". That shoots down your theory because it provides video proof that this wasn't made up for the film, because Mel Allen really said it. Check it out for yourself at approximately the 17 minute 20 second point of the documentary.