Damn Yankees

Damn Yankees

Year: 1958

Runtime: 111 mins

Language: English

Directors: Stanley Donen, George Abbott

ComedyMusicSong and danceDazzling vocal performances and musicalsDance rhythms and catchy tunes

The film is a musical adaptation of George Abbott’s Broadway hit, featuring red‑haired Broadway star Gwen Verdon in the lead. It follows a devoted Washington Senators fan who strikes a bargain with the Devil, hoping the supernatural aid will propel his team to win the league pennant.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Damn Yankees (1958)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Damn Yankees (1958). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1950s

The story unfolds in the 1950s, a period of postwar optimism and the golden age of baseball. The plot builds toward a dramatic late-season pennant chase and a World Series showdown, driven by a bargain with the Devil. The era’s culture of showmanship, devotion to team loyalty, and mass fanfare shapes the mood and stakes of the tale.

Location

Washington, D.C., Hannibal, Missouri, Providence, Rhode Island

The action centers on the Washington Senators' world in Washington, D.C., during a pennant race in mid-century America. Joe Boyd hails from Hannibal, Missouri, the small-town roots that anchor his ordinary life before the dream of victory. The narrative also nods to Providence, Rhode Island, in Lola's backstory, grounding the tale across several American towns united by baseball fever.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 17:57

Main Characters – Damn Yankees (1958)

Meet the key characters of Damn Yankees (1958), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Joe Boyd (Robert Shafer)

A middle-aged Washington Senators fan whose obsession with the team strains his marriage. He makes a fateful bargain with Applegate, seeking to restore youth and win the pennant, but his deepest loyalty remains with Meg. His transformation into Joe Hardy reveals a clash between ordinary, steady love and the siren call of sudden fame.

🎭 Identity 🎯 Ambition 💑 Loyalty

Joe Hardy (Tab Hunter)

The revitalized, youthful baseball prodigy who dominates the field with spectacular power. His talent brings instant fame and national attention, yet he is torn between the exhilaration of stardom and his love for Meg. His arc centers on choosing authentic identity over a glamorous facade.

🎖️ Fame ⚾️ Baseball Dream 💞 Loyalty

Lola (Gwen Verdon)

Applegate's seductive concoction who tempts Joe with beauty and pleasure. She initially uses charm to derail his loyalty, but she later discovers a genuine feeling for Joe, complicating the Devil's control. Her arc moves from manipulation toward a conflicted affection.

🪄 Seduction 👀 Obsession 💃 Allure

Mr. Applegate (Ray Walston)

The suave, calculating Devil who enthrones himself as a conniving negotiator. He orchestrates the bargain that grants youth and talent in exchange for Joe's soul, relishing the chaos it creates. His plan hinges on controlling fate through cunning and power.

😈 Temptation 🧭 Manipulation ⚖️ Power

Meg Boyd (Shannon Bolin)

Joe's wife, rooted in home and devotion. She leads a loyal life, guiding her husband back to sincerity and moral ground. Her strength lies in steadfast love, even as she confronts the unsettling changes brought by Joe's transformation.

💖 Domestic Love 🕊️ Loyalty 🧭 Resolve

Gloria Thorpe (Rae Allen)

A sportswriter who quickly sees through Joe's sudden rise. She embodies the investigative spirit of the era, challenging the narrative and pursuing truth about Joe's identity. Her persistence underscores the role of media in shaping baseball legends.

🗞️ Journalism 👀 Investigation 🎖️ Ambition

Benny Van Buren (Russ Brown)

The Senators' manager who delivers rousing pep talks and navigates the team through a season of highs and lows. He embodies the leadership and practical optimism that keeps a club hopeful in the pennant chase. His character anchors the team dynamic and performance.

⚾️ Baseball Management 💼 Leadership 🧭 Strategy

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 17:57

Major Themes – Damn Yankees (1958)

Explore the central themes of Damn Yankees (1958), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

😈 Temptation

A simple wish to reverse aging unleashes a dangerous bargain with Applegate. The transformation grants Joe youth and athletic prowess, but at the cost of his moral compass. The plot relentlessly tests what a person is willing to sacrifice for fame and success. Ultimately, the story weighs personal gain against integrity.

💖 Love vs Ambition

Meg anchors Joe with love and loyalty, representing domestic life and emotional grounding. Lola personifies temptation and the lure of spectacle, threatening to sever the bond between husband and wife. The narrative pits fidelity and family against the seductive pull of stardom. Joe’s choice becomes a measure of true commitment over glittering promise.

⚾️ Baseball Myth

Baseball serves as the stage where personal dreams collide with national myth, turning the pennant race into a grand cultural spectacle. The fans, the press, and the sport itself become characters that amplify fame and scrutiny. The Devil’s manipulation uses the sport as a lens on ambition, commerce, and spectacle. The story critiques the cost of chasing glory at the expense of ordinary life.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 17:57

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Damn Yankees Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Damn Yankees, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Damn Yankees Summary

Damn Yankees Timeline

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Damn Yankees Timeline

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