Search - The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars and Motor Kings on DVD

Fitting homage to the spirit of Negro League Baseball

John K. Reed | Harrisburg, PA United States | 03/11/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've always enjoyed this film ever since I was a pre teen. But as i've viewed the film in subsequent years i've come to regard it as more than just a very entertaining film.The first point that i'd like to make is that it would be very easy to look at this film as a glossed over historical account of Jackie Robinson, Satchel Paige and Josh Gibson. The film is not that although three of the main characters are certainly based upon those great men. For a more historical recount, albeit with some dramatic license, I would recommend HBO's fine Soul of the Game.I think it's difficult for many in my generation (under 40) to really appreciate the struggles and agony that most black americans endured just a short time ago in our history. This film however does a fabulous job of weaving the reality of barnstorming with the joy, athleticism and sorrow that was Negro League Baseball in addition to the pervasive racism that flourished throughout america at that time. For that alone it shouldn't be missed.All that notwithstanding it's a fabulous entertainment. Richard Pryor is as always hiliarious. The script is very well written. At times emphasizing comedy, drama, triumph, tragedy and most importantly sufficiently representing the atmosphere and culture of much of black america at that time. But it's the performances of Billy Dee and James Earl that really raise the film from just fine storytelling to the level of social commentary and criticsm.You'll laugh, strut, rage, and ultimately cry at this beautiful film."

Very fun&uplifting film

mistermaxxx@yahoo.com | usa | 01/15/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"a great tribute too the negro league players.overcoming racism&hustling owners.they defend themselves really well from both worlds and achieve there goals.James Earl jones,Billy Dee Williams,each give great performances.but Richard Pryor with his ricky ricardo take steals the show.a great look into the negro leagues.and very uplifting."

Invite Pitch

Jack Baker | LeRoy,IL | 02/19/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is a funny, well acted look at the Negro Leagues and barnstorming before the integration of Major League Baseball. Many of the details in the movie are based on historical facts. There really was a woman owner in the Negro Leagues, for example. More to the point, the movie correctly illustrates some of the greed and corruption within the league, as well as some of the issues the players faced. It also captures the experience of a barnstorming club and the often clownish antics players sometimes had to engage in to attract attention. It also is a pretty funny movie starring Billy Dee Williams as a Satchel Paige-esque pitcher who's supremely self-confident, so much so that he throws his world famous "Invite Pitch" to hitters without players manning the field. James Earl Jones is a treat as Leo Carter, a hard-hitting, no nonsense catcher. Look for Richard Pryor in a smaller, but funny role as Charile Snow, who's convinced he can break into the Majors by pretending to be Cuban as Carlos Nevada. This is a great movie no baseball fan should miss."

Soul of the Game, Lite

Joseph Shannon | Ohio | 11/28/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Bingo Long is a fun movie, describing a bitter period in American History, and American Baseball History.



The story is based on the true story of Jackie Robinson, Sachel Paige, and Josh Gibson. Bingo Long is based on Sachel Paige, and Esquire Joe is loosely based on Jackie Robinson. The movie is fun, and it delves into the relationships of the black players and the Negro League owners. They only touch gently on the racial issues, and focus more on the greed of the Negro League owners. Billy Dee Willims (Sachel Paige) and James Earl Jones (Josh Gibson) are real and fun. But at the end of the day, they are both bitter about being excluded from the "White Only" major leagues."