Damn Yankees

Damn Yankees

Year: 1958

Runtime: 111 mins

Language: English

Directors: Stanley Donen, George Abbott

ComedyMusic

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.

Damn Yankees (1958) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Damn Yankees (1958) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In a world where the crack of a bat can echo like a Broadway overture, the film marries the glitter of a classic stage musical with the gritty devotion of America’s pastime. Set against the backdrop of 1950s Washington, D.C., the story follows a city of hopeful fans who cling to the fortunes of a struggling baseball club. The atmosphere shimmers with choreographed crowd chants, jaunty brass numbers, and the restless energy of a town that lives for the next pitch, all while the stage lights cast long shadows over the personal dramas that unfold beyond the diamond.

At the heart of the tale is Joe Boyd, a middle‑aged, red‑haired die‑hard supporter whose love for the Senators consumes every waking hour. His marriage to Meg Boyd is strained by his single‑minded obsession, and Meg leads a chorus of wives whose plaintive refrains lament the endless seasons they endure while their husbands chase impossible victories. Their relationship, rendered with both humor and tenderness, sets the emotional core for a story that balances personal longing against the lofty aspirations of a whole city.

When Joe’s frustration reaches a fever pitch, fate introduces a slick, silver‑tongued stranger who offers a bargain that could change everything. The deal promises the very thing Joe desires—youth, brilliance, and the power to lift his team to the pennant—at a price that hints at something far more unsettling than a simple contract. This encounter thrusts him onto a path where baseball myth meets supernatural intrigue, and his transformation begins to ripple through both his private world and the public spectacle of the sport.

The film glides between buoyant musical numbers and moments of quiet intimacy, using song and dance to explore themes of ambition, loyalty, and the price of dreams. With a tone that is at once whimsical and melancholy, it asks whether love and integrity can survive when the allure of glory and a devil’s whisper loom on the horizon.

Last Updated: December 05, 2025 at 09:21

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Musical Faustian Bargains Like Damn Yankees

Stories where characters trade their souls in surprisingly lighthearted musical or comedic settings.If you enjoyed the clever twist on the deal-with-the-devil trope in 'Damn Yankees', discover other movies that blend supernatural pacts with music, comedy, or a whimsical spirit. These films explore temptation and sacrifice in an entertaining, song-filled way.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern follows an ordinary person presented with a fantastical opportunity by a charismatic, often comic, antagonist. They achieve their wildest dreams but soon discover the hidden cost, leading to a climactic choice where they must reclaim their original life or true love.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here by their shared core premise—a modern or playful take on the Faust legend—and a consistently light to medium tone that favors charm and spectacle over grim horror, often punctuated by music.

Sports Movies With Bittersweet Endings Like Damn Yankees

Underdog sports victories that come with a personal cost, blending triumph with poignant sacrifice.Fans of 'Damn Yankees' who appreciated its mix of baseball triumph and personal sacrifice will find similar stories here. Explore movies where underdog teams win the big game, but the characters' journeys leave a poignant, thoughtful feeling.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative follows an underdog team or individual striving for a seemingly impossible goal. Through determination (and sometimes fantastical aid), they achieve victory. However, the climax reveals that the pursuit of glory required a significant personal compromise, leading to an ending that is both happy and somber.

Why These Movies?

These films share a specific emotional mix: the high of a sporting underdog victory combined with a reflective, bittersweet tone. The focus is on the cost of success, making the triumph feel earned and deeply human.

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Damn Yankees Summary

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Damn Yankees Summary

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Damn Yankees Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Damn Yankees

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Damn Yankees

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