Pastime (1990)
A tender, understated baseball drama set in the minor leagues of 1957, where an aging pitcher and a gifted young prospect forge an unlikely friendship.
Pastime - Movie Information
- Original Title: Pastime
- Release Year: 1990
- Directed by: Robin B. Armstrong
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 34m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): August 23, 1991 (United States)
- Alternative Titles: One Cup of Coffee (US)
- Production Companies: Bay Cities, Bullpen, Miramax, Open Road Films
- Production Countries: United States of America
Pastime - Plot
A veteran minor league pitcher in 1957 tutors a young phenomenon.
Pastime - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the heart of the minor leagues come alive:
A story of a major miracle in the minor leagues.
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Pastime - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Robin B. Armstrong
Main Cast
- William Russ
- Glenn Plummer
- Noble Willingham
- Scott Plank
- Jeffrey Tambor
- Ricky Paull Goldin
- Deirdre O'Connell
- Reed Rudy
- Patrick O'Bryan
- Peter Murnik
Writers
- David Eyre
Producers
- Robin B. Armstrong
- Eric Tynan Young
Pastime - FAQs
What is Pastime about?
Pastime is set in 1957 and follows Roy Dean Bream, an aging minor league pitcher clinging to his baseball dreams, who forms an unlikely bond with Tyrone Debray, a talented young Black prospect. Their friendship becomes the heart of this quiet, character-driven story about loyalty, dignity, and the bittersweet love of the game.
Who are the main actors in Pastime?
William Russ leads the cast as Roy Dean Bream, the weathered veteran pitcher, alongside Glenn Plummer as the gifted young prospect Tyrone Debray. The supporting cast includes Jeffrey Tambor, Noble Willingham, Scott Plank, Ricky Paull Goldin, and Deirdre O'Connell, among others.
Is Pastime based on a true story?
Pastime is not based on a specific true story, but it draws deeply from the authentic world of 1950s minor league baseball. Writer David Eyre crafted an original story that feels grounded in real history, capturing the era's racial tensions and the everyday struggles of players who never quite made it to the majors.
When was Pastime released in the United States?
Pastime was released in the United States on August 23, 1991. The film was produced in 1990 and distributed by Miramax, making its way to American audiences the following year after its initial festival run.
How does Pastime portray race in 1950s baseball?
Race is central to Pastime's emotional core. Set just a decade after Jackie Robinson broke baseball's color barrier, the film honestly depicts the prejudice Tyrone Debray faces in the minor leagues. His friendship with Roy Dean Bream — a white veteran who champions him — becomes a quiet but powerful statement about decency and human connection.
What genre is Pastime and how long is it?
Pastime is a Drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It's a slow-burn, character-focused film rather than a conventional sports movie, prioritizing emotional depth and period atmosphere over action or competition.
How was Pastime received by critics?
Pastime earned warm critical praise for its understated performances and authentic period detail. Critics highlighted William Russ's nuanced lead performance and the film's gentle, humane tone. It won the Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival, which helped cement its reputation as a quiet, deeply felt gem of early 1990s American cinema.
What are some movies similar to Pastime?
If you enjoy Pastime, you'll likely love other baseball classics like The Natural (1984), Eight Men Out (1988), A League of Their Own (1992), The Sandlot (1993), and 61* (2001). For something with a similar intimate, character-driven feel, Little Big League (1994) and Hardball (2001) are also worth a watch.
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