Fear Strikes Out is a 1957 American biographical sports drama film depicting the life and career of American baseball player Jimmy Piersall. It is based on Piersall's 1955 memoir Fear Strikes Out: The Jim Piersall Story, co-written with Al Hirshberg. The film stars Anthony Perkins as Piersall and Karl Malden as his father, and it was the first directed by Robert Mulligan.
This film is a Paramount Picture and was preceded by a 1955 TV version starring Tab Hunter.[1]
The format of the film allows documentary footage of the stadium scenes to be used during the game sequences.Based on Piersall's autobiography, the film traces Piersall's rise from the sandlots of Waterbury, Connecticut, to the Boston Red Sox professional baseball team. Karl Malden plays his domineering father who pushes him further and further.
Plagued by problems, Jim marries Mary, but they live with his parents. When he is eventually chosen for the Boston Red Sox it is in the infield position of shortstop for which he has little experience. He calls his father to apologise.