When It Was a Game
Synopsis
As seen through the eyes of true baseball enthusiasts, this award-winning documentary tells the story of America's favorite pastime from the Depression to the 1950s, using footage shot from the movie cameras of fans and players. From the first color filming of a baseball game to the 1938 World Series and through the careers of legends such as Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle, the film thoroughly explores the history of baseball in America.
Part of the When It Was A Game Collection
Stream the entire interconnected saga and experience every installment in chronological storyline order.
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →Peter Kessler
Narrator (voice)
James Earl Jones
(voice)
Jason Robards
(voice)
Roy Scheider
(voice)
Donald Hall
Self (voice)
Enos Slaughter
Self (voice)
Elden Auker
Self (voice)
Billy Herman
Self (voice)
Tommy Henrich
Self (voice)
Burgess Whitehead
Self (voice)
Billy Werber
Self (voice)
Robert W. Creamer
Self (voice)
Duke Snyder
Self (voice)
Donald Honig
Self (voice)
Max Patkin
Self (voice)
Whitey Kurowski
Self (voice)
Ray Robinson
Self (voice)
Red Barber
Self (voice)
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- —
- Screenplay & Story
- Steven Stern
- Original Score
- Ferdinand Jay Smith
- Original Title
- When It Was a Game
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 57m
- Production Studios
- Black Canyon Productions, HBO Sports
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Steven Stern
Ferdinand Jay Smith
George Roy
Ross Greenburg, George Roy, Steven Stern, David Harmon
Department Leadership Roster
George Roy
Producer
Steven Stern
Producer
David Harmon
Producer
Steven Stern
Writer
George Roy
Editor
Ferdinand Jay Smith
Original Music Composer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
G: General Audiences — All ages admitted. Nothing offensive for children.
International Certification Matrix
General Audiences — All ages admitted. Nothing offensive for children.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for When It Was a Game.
Featured In Curated Collections
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Frequently Asked Questions About When It Was a Game
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is When It Was a Game about?
As seen through the eyes of true baseball enthusiasts, this award-winning documentary tells the story of America's favorite pastime from the Depression to the 1950s, using footage shot from the movie cameras of fans and players. From the first color filming of a baseball game to the 1938 World Series and through the careers of legends such as Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle, the film thoroughly explores the history of baseball in America.
Who directed When It Was a Game?
When It Was a Game was directed by Not specified.
Who stars in When It Was a Game?
The principal cast of When It Was a Game includes Peter Kessler, James Earl Jones, Jason Robards, Roy Scheider, Donald Hall.
When was When It Was a Game released and how long is it?
When It Was a Game was released in 1991 with a total runtime of 57m.
Who composed the musical score for When It Was a Game?
The original motion picture soundtrack for When It Was a Game was composed by Ferdinand Jay Smith.
What is the age rating and content advisory for When It Was a Game?
When It Was a Game holds official age classifications: US: G (General Audiences — All ages admitted. Nothing offensive for children.).