Damn Yankees - Gwen Verdon, Tab Hunter In The Motion Picture Classic

Damn Yankees is a captivating classic film adaptation of the Broadway musical hit of the same name. Released in 1958, the film was directed by George Abbott and Stanley Donen. The story, inspired by Douglass Wallop's novel "The Year the Yankees Lost the Pennant," boasts an impressive cast with Tab Hunter, Gwen Verdon, and Ray Walston in the lead roles.

The premise of Damn Yankees hinges on the universal theme of an ordinary individual getting an extraordinary opportunity - with a unique twist. The story begins with middle-aged Washington Senators fan Joe Boyd (Robert Shafer) who is deeply unsatisfied with the standing of his favorite baseball team, which is constantly trounced by the New York Yankees.

Pushed to his limit, Joe impulsively declares that he would sell his soul to ensure his team beats the ever-dominant Yankees. No sooner has he stated this, the devil himself, Mr. Applegate (Ray Walston), materializes, ready to offer him a deal. Joe is to become Joe Hardy (Tab Hunter), a younger and far talented baseball player who will help the feeble Senators squad to win the pennant against the Yankees.

Despite the dire implications, the extraordinarily average Joe Boyd is dazzled by the chance to live out his dreams, which leads him to grudgingly accept the deal, albeit with an exit clause. Joe Hardy steadily becomes the team's saving grace, breaking countless records and turning the Senators' luck around. However, the price he pays for this new life and the tricks of the devil form the crux of the storyline.

Gwen Verdon plays Lola, a seductive demoness dispatched by Walston's character to ensure Hardy doesn't regret his decision and call-off the deal. Verdon, known for her enchanting performances on Broadway, was widely lauded for reprising her Tony-winning role. With her sizzling dance numbers and power-packed performances, she manages to bring the same vivacity to the silver screen.

Tab Hunter delivers a moving and deeply engaging performance as Joe Hardy. His nuanced representation of a man torn between his dreams and realities, coupled with his dignified charisma, uncovers the humanity in a rather fantastic storyline.

Ray Walston, playing the smooth-talking devil, adds a delightful twist of dark humor to the narrative. His playfulness and manipulative charms are striking, making him an unforgettable character. Along with the leading trio, the movie also features excellent performances by Russ Brown and Shannon Bolin as the team manager and Joe's loving wife, respectively.

Filmed in rich Technicolor, Damn Yankees stunningly translates the energy and ambiance of a live baseball game onto the silver screen. With musical hits like "Whatever Lola Wants" and "You Gotta Have Heart," not only does the movie offer an engaging storyline, but it also provides a spirited showcase of classic American tunes that have stood the test of time.

Choreographed by the legendary Bob Fosse, the movie demonstrates striking dance routines and memorable musical numbers. Fosse uses Vera-Ellen's star quality and dancer's grace for maximum advantage, which makes the dance scenes appear almost poetic. The film brilliantly marries its spectacular musical elements with its engaging plot, bringing to life the best aspects of a popular Broadway musical.

Damn Yankees is a sensational foray into the magical realism genre, bringing along a whirlwind of delightful performances, catchy music, and meticulous choreography. With its invigorating story, the film effectively balances sports, fantasy, and dance in one neat package, making it a classic gem of American cinema.

In conclusion, Damn Yankees is a movie classic that is rich in humor, heart, and drama, with memorable performances that make it unforgettable. It's a must-watch for all fans of musical cinema and those who appreciate a clever blend of fantasy and reality. The movie packs a punch with its combination of baseball, broadway tunes, and devilish hijinks, making it an iconic spectacle well-worth revisiting time and time again.