The Slugger's Wife

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The Slugger's Wife

PG-13

1985

1h 45m

Romance

Comedy

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10 Reviews

20%

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500+ Ratings

Atlanta Braves outfielder Darryl Palmer (Michael O'Keefe) falls in love with Debby Huston (Rebecca De Mornay) after seeing her perform in a nightclub. Inspired by his new relationship, Darryl begins hitting home runs whenever the singer is in the stands, and soon the pair are married. As Darryl strives to set a new home run record, his constant need for Debby's presence alarms her. Realizing she has to focus on her own career, Debby leaves, causing Darryl's game to suffer.

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Roger Ebert

Chicago Sun-Times

Simon's not in a lighthearted mood, and so the silliness of the story gets bogged down in all sorts of gloomy neuroses, angry denunciations, and painful self-analysis.

Rated: 2/4

Oct 23, 2004

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Janet Maslin

New York Times

Resoundingly unfunny.

Rated: 1/5

Aug 30, 2004

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David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

...increasingly erratic...

Rated: 2/4

Aug 23, 2021

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David Elliott

Copley News Service

This is the most nakedly calculated film Simon has written (which is really saying something), and also the least funny.

Nov 18, 2019

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TV Guide

It is one of the most disappointing, least credible films about baseball in recent memory.

Rated: 1.5/4

Oct 31, 2007

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Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

Rated: 2/5

Jun 17, 2005

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James A

I liked it. I discovered it on video when it hit my local video store back in college in the 80s. I've watched a few times since and I still like it. There are some good lines and Randy Quaid steals a few scenes. It's not Major League or Bull Durham by any stretch, but it has its moments.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

04/27/25

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Audience Member

Decent B flick movie. Baseball drama and a love affair

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/23/23

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Audience Member

Even breaking Roger Maris' long-standing single season home run record of 61 is bittersweet for Braves slugger, Darryl Palmer, when his wife leaves him to pursue a singing career. Palmer is a bit too cocky to feel a ton of sympathy for. Liked seeing the old jerseys and pitchers Fidrych and Hrabosky - even if neither of them actually pitched for the Astros.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

02/13/23

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Audience Member

A baseball players career is in jeopardy when his girlfriend isn't by his side. Of course, when she's with him he becomes Stan Musial. Worst adaptation of a Neil Simon play.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

02/19/23

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Audience Member

Typically dreadful Neil Simon film revolving around self-absorbed (most emphatically displayed with his personalized 'Slugger' bathrobe) Atlanta Braves player and his aspiring-singer wife. The pennant chase and pursuit of Roger Maris' home run record are deadeningly portrayed against a subpar musical lineup featuring bad cover tunes. Ex-pros Mark Fidrych and Al Hrabosky are featured as Astros (!) pitchers. Most interesting is the fan who gives up the million dollar 62nd home run ball for the slugger out of the goodness of his heart; how the times have changed.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

02/24/23

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Audience Member

another baseball pic

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

01/21/23

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Hal Ashby

Director

Michael O'Keefe

Darryl Palmer

Rebecca De Mornay

Debby Palmer

Randy Quaid

Moose Granger

Martin Ritt

Burly DeVito

Cleavant Derricks

Manny Alvarado

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Synopsis

Atlanta Braves outfielder Darryl Palmer (Michael O'Keefe) falls in love with Debby Huston (Rebecca De Mornay) after seeing her perform in a nightclub. Inspired by his new relationship, Darryl begins hitting home runs whenever the singer is in the stands, and soon the pair are married. As Darryl strives to set a new home run record, his constant need for Debby's presence alarms her. Realizing she has to focus on her own career, Debby leaves, causing Darryl's game to suffer.

Director: Hal Ashby
Producer: Ray Stark
Production Co: Rastar Films, Delphi II Productions
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Romance, Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 18, 2015
Runtime: 1h 45m
Sound Mix: Stereo, Surround

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