NEW ULM – The New Ulm Film Society continues to round the bases of its Baseball film series with a screening of “The Natural.”

The screening begins at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 10, at the New Ulm Public Library.

“The Natural” was released in 1984 and is based on a novel by Bernard Malamud. Both the film and the book tell the story of baseball talent Roy Hobbs and a decade expanding career. At a young age, Hobbs showed natural talent but an unexpected injury sidelined his career. Later in life, he returns to baseball, still showing a natural talent however the dark side of baseball and shady deals continue to impact Hobbs career. However, the book and film depart in a few significant ways. The most dramatic difference is the ending.

In the book, Hobbs’ last at-bat ends in failure and it is hinted all his achievements will be erased for the record books. In the film, Hobbs’ last at bat is a remarkable success that nearly sets the sky on fire with sparks and ensures his legendary status for all time. 

This optimistic ending has led to “The Natural” becoming one of the rare film adaptations where most audiences prefer the movie over the book. In fact, the film’s climax might include one of the most famous shots in all of baseball history. It is not unusual for sports broadcasters to reference “The Natural” when talking about real-life ballplayers. 

Much of this is credited to the film’s cinematographer Caleb Deschanel. He was nominated for an Oscar for his work in “The Natural” and it is arguably his most well-known film. Deschanel was able to take a period piece about a baseball player in the 1930s and film it as if it were an epic tale about a legendary hero.

The decision to treat “The Natural” as a mythic story, rather than a sports story might seem out of place, but these elements were built into the story from the beginning. Hobbs’ natural ability to play baseball is almost preordained. His backstory borrows from other heroic epics. Hobbs uses a baseball bat named Wonderboy  that he created from a tree that was struck by lightning. It is almost as if the bat was bestowed on him from Zeus, god of lightning. Several characters are loose references to Greek gods. Hobbs himself is often compared to Odysseus, a man who must return home, and to the woman he left behind.

Malamud said the book was partially inspired by King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. The bat is called Wonderboy much as Arthur’s sword is called Excalibur. Hobbs even plays for a team called “The Knight.”

The film also benefits from a strong performance from Robert Redford, who plays Hobbs. In 1984, Redford was already considered one of the great working actors. By taking on the role of Hobbs, he added weight to character. Critics and sports professionals alike praised Redford’s performance, saying he inhabited the role of a ballplayer. In a way, the role came “naturally” to Redford.

The New Ulm Film Society’s screening of “The Natural” is free to the public. Before and after the film, there will be a discussion about the film’s place in film history.