The Great American Pastime

The Great American Pastime

Year: 1956

Runtime: 90 mins

Language: English

Director: Herman Hoffman

Comedy

The comic lead from 7 Year Itch returns, this time as Bruce Hallerton, who takes over as coach of the Panthers, a local little‑league baseball squad. Complications arise when an attractive widowed mother enrolls her son on the team, sparking tension with Hallerton’s own wife.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The Great American Pastime (1956)

Trace every key event in The Great American Pastime (1956) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Bruce volunteers to coach the Panthers

Bruce Hallerton, a lawyer by trade, volunteers to coach the Panthers in Willow Falls to spend more time with his son, Dennis. He steps into the role hoping to make a positive difference for the team and for his family.

Season start Willow Falls
2

Dennis is reassigned to the Tigers; Bruce stays committed

Dennis is assigned to the Tigers, which makes Betty assume Bruce will quit. However, Bruce feels a steadfast commitment and decides to continue coaching the Panthers.

Early season Willow Falls
3

Bruce urges effort over winning

Bruce begins telling his Panthers that trying is more important than winning, emphasizing growth and teamwork. He faces pressure from Ed Ryder, the Tigers' coach who will do anything to win.

Early season Panthers' field
4

Doris Patterson pursues Bruce for Herbie to pitch

Widow Doris Patterson flirts with Bruce, hoping to persuade him to let her son Herbie pitch for the Panthers. Her advances complicate Bruce's focus and blur boundaries between coach and parent.

Early season Willow Falls
5

Dinner invitation used to pitch a rival son

George Carruthers invites the Hallertons to dinner, only to push his own son Foster as the preferred player. The social pressure adds another layer to the dynamic between parents and Bruce.

Evening Carruthers residence
6

Team struggles and Betty's jealousy grows

The Panthers are inept at first and mocked by many, including Bruce's own son. Betty becomes jealous of Doris's perceived attention toward Bruce and starts studying baseball to become the team's scorekeeper.

Early season Willow Falls
7

Bruce rebuffs Doris and offends her

Bruce tells the widow Doris that he is happily married and discourages her personal interest. Doris is offended, as she had not intended any romantic involvement.

Mid-season Willow Falls
8

A brawl and a drunken escape

A brawl breaks out between the Panthers and Tigers, heightening tensions in town. Seeking escape, Bruce goes to a bar with his buddy O'Keefe and gets tipsy.

Evening after game Willow Falls bar
9

Bruce returns home to a bolted door

Bruce comes home to find the door bolted by his wife, signaling renewed strain in their marriage. The incident underscores the personal cost of his coaching commitment.

Night Bruce's home
10

Man Mountain shines in the next game

For the next game, Bruce uses O'Keefe's fast son, nicknamed 'Man Mountain', and the youngster becomes a local hero in a Panthers victory. The win showcases a turning point for the team.

Next game Panthers' field
11

Bruce feels unrecognized and considers quitting

Despite the victory, no one congratulates Bruce, leaving him feeling isolated and unappreciated. He vows never to volunteer again, overwhelmed by the mixed reception.

After game Willow Falls
12

Community gratitude leads to a new role

Later, the parents and kids come to thank him for his efforts, lifting his spirits. Inspired by the appreciation, Bruce volunteers to become the team's scoutmaster for the boys.

End of season Willow Falls

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 12:31

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