Don't Make a Scene: Bull Durham

The Story: It's June. The month of brides.

 

There are many glories to Ron Shelton's Bull Durham. But, the script is the home run. Heck, it's a grand slam. Sure, there are big moments and quotable speeches. 

 

But, every so often there's a small moment—a bunt, if you will, that brings a run home—that makes a big difference and lingers in the mind long after the house-lights come on and the clean-up crew do their jobs.

 

This is one of those moments.

 

And I heartily agree with the sentiment.

 

"How can anybody not be romantic about baseball?" 

  

The Set-Up: The Durham Bulls have everything a baseball team—even a single-A team could want. With the exception of wins. Despite their record, they still attract baseball groupies, like Annie (Susan Sarandon) who believes in a "Church of Baseball" and Millie (Jenny Robertson), who has garnered a reputation for being a little too "easy". Despite that, she has a whirlwind romance with Jimmy (William O'Leary), a well-meaning but naive "rook". They decide to get married.

 

Action.

 

 

CUT TO: INT. ANNIE'S HOUSE NIGHT 

ANNIE IS HELPING MILLIE make her WEDDING DRESS. The game can be heard on the radio in the b.g.

MILLIE You should be at the game, Annie. 

ANNIE No, no -- I'm fine. 

ANNIE Millie, how much time did you and Jimmy spend together before he proposed? 

Annie holds the dress up to Millie. 

MILLIE Ohhh...about Five hours, I guess. 

MILLIE We both just knew. 

MILLIE Annie? 

(studying the dress) 

MILLIE Do you think I deserve to wear white? 

ANNIE Honey, We all deserve to wear white.

 

Bull Durham

 

Words by Ron Shelton

 

Pictures by Bobby Byrne and Ron Shelton

 

Bull Durham is available on DVD from M-G-M Home Entertainment and Blu-Ray from the Criterion Collection and 4KUHD from Universal Home Entertainment.