Wednesday, July 14 was the local premiere of 4192: The Crowning of the Hit King at AMC Newport on the Levee. The documentary focused solely on Rose’s on-field accomplishments and left his off-field antics off the screen. Rose narrated nearly all of the film giving some very in-depth information and stories behind his now mythical statistics.
The movie is gratuitous and fairly sappy; however the scenic views of Riverfront and the beautiful Crosely Field are outstanding. This turns out to be not a documentary about a controversial ball player as much a commentary on Cincinnati history. The Anderson Ferry shot in the beginning of the film is a lovely historical moment and Rose’s narrative is surprisingly witty, poignant and, at times, just fascinating. When Rose talks of playing with Stan Musial during his last game, the brawl with Harrelson or his respect for Bob Gibson; it’s like listening to a cool grandpa revealing interesting stories while on a tour. He reminds one of the many small psychological tidbits that make Baseball a study of human interaction.
The audience at the film was just outstanding: I have never seen so many vintage tee shirts covered by autographs and I would wager most had not been worn in 20+ years. Folks were jovial, talking with complete strangers in line and bonding over unique Cincinnati history.
Seeing the film also brings out amusing anecdotes of “where were you” and sure enough, on our way home, Not-A-Hubs told his story of peddling his bike up Purcell Ave. as fast as he could. His neighbor had called and was making the claim that you could hear the Riverfront crowd from the top of Purcell Ave. Turns out he was right. 4192 reminded me of playing Knothole softball for 13 years in Trenton. I played all outfields, third, and catcher (my favorite). I was not a strong hitter but I could field hard and sprint. My jersey was #14. It also reminded me why Rose is such an everyman and gives life to the longing appeal that we do have control of our destinies despite whatever humbling beginnings from which we hail. The same reason I wore #14 is the same reason I read all of Kurt Vonnegut’s writings. Pete Rose was truly Fanfare for the Common Man.
If you are a Baseball, Reds, or Cincinnati fan then the up-coming DVD is an essential snapshot of Cincinnati history. The footage, stories, stats and legacy are all worth the price of admission. You can keep track of when the DVD is released on Facebook and Twitter.
“I was the 13th player to collect my 3000 and got my hit on 9-11. I’m a weird dude.” (Pete Rose)
While the film was worth the $20 per ticket price, the AMC was not. No signs told us to check our ticket in on the first floor before treading up to the third where there was once again no signs telling patrons the two theatre numbers. If you hadn’t bothered to look at your ticket you would not have known which one to go to because you surrendered your ticket downstairs. We did get the right theatre only to find it labeled with a different movie title. Rose made an appearance and said a few words that no one understood because the microphone was crackling and for the first 5 minutes of the film the lights were left on.
Barking Fish Entertainment = A
AMC Newport on the Levee = F
Best Documentary in All Sports Los Angeles Film Festival
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Who would have thought a movie theater would screw up showing a movie?
Difficult to tell if it was AMC doing the screwing, the Barking Fish folks or both or if communication between the two fell through. Pretty sure the lights were AMC’s issue.
I would have rathered seen this in an indie theatre but alas I don’t think there is one large enough in Cincinnati and a drive in would not have worked for the speakers.
First, let me get this out of the way. Barking Fish will take the responsibility for the cluster f*&k at the Levy. The first screening sold out so quickly with many friends and family missing out, that we decided to rush and offer a second screening — the day before the Premiere! I’m not sure folks appreciate the effort of turning around a second screening that fast, but nonetheless, we do apologize for any and all inconveniences.
That aside, I wanted to say kudos on a review that actually had something to do with the actual film itself. It seems funny that folks in the media are so quick to jump on what it’s NOT about, even though the film is called “4192″. September 11 is the 25th Anniversary of a record that will probably never be broken and for an event of that magnitude in any sport to simply be passed over, would’ve been the real crime. I do feel that it is the most complete film on Pete’s playing career (you can check it) and the only reason it gets the whole “love fest” thing is because we ended on the record. Watch “The Life and Times of Hank Greenberg”. Now is that considered “gratuitous”? If the haters out there really need their fix for negativity, rent “Hu$tle” as a double feature. There’s nothing new to tell people. Old news. And in our defense, we did cover 22 years of his playing career AND him growing up in Cincinnati. That’s a lot to cover me thinks! Just sayin … But I am very happy that YOU seem to “get” the reason the film was made. I am very proud of it and hope the fans love it as much as I loved making it!
I did post the link to the story on the Facebook Fan page.
Thanks again for reviewing the film and your experience of it on their own merit.
One thing I forgot to mention was how spectacular the editing was! I cannot imagine the amound of house editing Rose’s stories of his milestones, players, games, etc. The film’s footage, editing, music choices all were so top notch.
Thank you for the Facebook link! I look foward to your next project!
Excuse a short digression, please. About 4192, did not see the movie but am so happy something like this was brought to fruition. The night of Pete’s 4192 hit, I was working in a car dealership, in the cashier’s office. it was a very slow night. I was allowed to go home & get my 13 in color tv (Rabbit ears ruled back then) as I lived close by. The manager was, unbeknownst to him or us, dying of leukemia & getting treatment. He told me to go home and get my tv so we could see Pete’s at bats. He would answer phones & run the office. That was a HUGE OFFER of a manager so this game was important, even to non-sport lovers, I think.
When Pete came to bat, I announced on the PA and all salesman or managers crowded into the cashier’s office. When Pete got the hit, there were whoops & tears from grown men. Some had to leave the room caught up in their emotions as they were not used to public displays.. It was a special moment I will always remember. I thank Pete for the memories of that night and the sweetness I saw in an otherwise, macho industry.
I hope to see this movie soon and am glad such a movie was made. In this tell all, share all, Fake reality tv/tabloid age, I think we could use a little taste of how things used to be.
I remember seeing the hit at home, but remember more the game before. I worked at McAlpin’s in Cherry Grove. We had a little TV set up in the Men’s Department, and everyone gathered around for each at bat. It really was something.