Eight Men Out

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Eight Men Out ★★★★ 1988 (PG)

Taken from Eliot Asinof's book, a moving, full-blooded account of the infamous 1919 “Black Sox” scandal, in which members of the Chicago White Sox teamed to throw the World Series for $80,000. A dirge of lost innocence, this is among Sayles' best films. Provides an interesting look at the “conspiracy” that ended “Shoeless” Joe Jackson's major-league career. The actual baseball scenes are first-rate, and Straithairn, Sweeney, and Cusack give exceptional performances. Sayles makes an appearance as Ring Lardner. Enjoyable viewing for even the non-sports fan. 121m/C VHS, DVD . John Cusack, D.B. Sweeney, Perry Lang, Jace Alexander, Bill Irwin, Clifton James, Michael Rooker, Michael Lerner, Christopher Lloyd, Studs Terkel, David Strathairn, Charlie Sheen, Kevin Tighe, John Mahoney, John Sayles, Gordon Clapp, Richard Edson, James Read, Don Harvey, John Anderson, Maggie Renzi, Michael Mantell, Nancy Travis, Michael Laskin, Barbara Garrick, Wendy Makkena; D: John Sayles; W: John Sayles; C: Robert Richardson; M: Mason Daring.