A Mile in His Shoes (2011) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The film is primarily set in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with additional scenes set on a rural Wisconsin farm that represents Mickey Tussler's home. The story is rooted in the Midwest's post-war baseball scene, portraying a tight-knit community where local baseball and family life drive the narrative.

• milwaukee
• wisconsin
• rural setting
• farm
• midwest

The movie takes place in 1948, during the late post-World War II era. This period is characterized by community-centered life and represents the heyday of local baseball, where families rallied around their teams and young players had the opportunity to forge unlikely paths.

• 1948
• 1940s
• post-war era
• historical setting

The film explores three core themes: teamwork, where baseball serves as a vehicle for mutual support and mentorship; acceptance, focusing on recognizing and respecting individuals with autism; and resilience, portraying how characters overcome adversity through perseverance and personal growth.

• teamwork
• acceptance
• autism
• resilience
• themes

Mickey Tussler is an 18-year-old pitcher with severe autism who can throw apples at extraordinary speed. He is marginally verbal and often communicates in the third person, using poetry as a coping mechanism when overwhelmed. His gifted pitching ability sets him apart, and he forms a bond with his pet pig Oscar.

• mickey tussler
• autism
• asperger
• pitcher
• baseball

Arthur 'Murph' Murphy is the baseball manager who discovers Mickey's talent and invites him to join the team. He serves as a mentor, championing inclusion and balancing tough decisions with empathy and belief in his players. His guidance is central to Mickey's integration into the team.

• murph
• arthur murphy
• manager
• mentor
• dean cain

Mickey faces significant challenges including initial hazing from teammates and fear from those who don't understand his condition. His honesty and directness, characteristic of his autism, initially create friction but ultimately force the team to adapt and become more inclusive. He must navigate social situations on and off the field while proving his worth as a pitcher.

• autism
• hazing
• acceptance
• challenges
• discrimination

Pee Wee is a kind teammate who takes Mickey under his wing, helping him navigate the challenges of joining the team. Through friendship and support, Pee Wee assists Mickey in finding his place on the team and overcoming the initial resistance from other players.

• pee wee
• teammate
• friend
• support
• mentor

Baseball serves as a vehicle for teamwork, where players must trust one another and work together to succeed. The sport represents a path for individuals who are often marginalized to find acceptance and belonging. Mickey's integration into the team demonstrates how cooperative effort and selflessness can uplift those who face discrimination.

• baseball
• teamwork
• sport
• integration
• community

Clarence is Molly's abusive husband, portrayed as a brutish and illiterate man who uses fear to exert control over his family. His character provides a darker counterpoint to the team's spirit of perseverance and highlights the film's exploration of hardship and resilience outside the baseball context.

• clarence
• abuse
• villain
• family conflict

The film portrays a tight-knit Midwestern community centered around local baseball and family life. Set in the post-war 1940s, it captures an era of simplicity and hardship where families rally around their teams. The community serves as both a supportive and challenging environment for Mickey's journey.

• community
• midwest
• small town
• family
• 1940s