A Lost Baseball Flick: The Mystery of “Right Off the Bat”
The year is 1915. Silent films are captivating audiences,and baseball fever is sweeping the nation. In the small town of Winsted, Connecticut, a unique production is underway: “Right Off the Bat,” a baseball-themed film starring New York Giants player Mike Donlin.
Local residents, including those from neighboring Torrington, flocked to the set, eager to witness the magic of filmmaking. The Arrow Film Company, a modest production group, captured the excitement on five rolls of film. But today, those reels remain elusive, lost to the annals of time.Ed Canatta, a Torrington resident and history enthusiast, stumbled upon the story of “Right Off the Bat” while researching the town’s cinematic past. An article in the Winsted Citizen newspaper painted a vivid picture of the town’s involvement in the film’s creation.
“It was a interesting discovery,” canatta recalls. “I was researching old cinemas in Torrington, poring over trade magazines like Variety and Moving Picture World, when I came across this article about the film.”
“Right Off the Bat” holds a special place in cinematic history. It’s considered one of the earliest baseball-themed films, predating classics like “Bull Durham” and “Field of Dreams.”
The film’s plot, as described in the August 14, 1915 issue of Motography magazine, centers around a factory worker who falls for his employer’s daughter. He’s kidnapped just before a crucial factory baseball game, but wiht the girl’s help, he escapes in time to lead his team to victory, winning both the game and the girl’s heart.
Donlin, a prominent figure in baseball history, played for the New York Giants, a team that would later relocate to San Francisco and become the San Francisco Giants. He even participated in the 1905 World Series against the Philadelphia Athletics. Interestingly, another Torrington native, Danny Hoffman, played for the Athletics in a later World Series.
Donlin’s foray into acting stemmed from his involvement with vaudeville star Mabel Hite. Their connection led to a screenplay about Donlin’s life, penned by Albert Levine.Winsted was chosen as the filming location, possibly due to existing ties with the town.The Arrow Film Company actively engaged the local community, employing residents and even enlisting local baseball teams for the film. The Winsted team, part of the Connecticut State League, faced off against the Meriden team in a game filmed for the movie.
Newspaper accounts describe a lively atmosphere at the game, with enthusiastic spectators cheering, waving flags, and even confronting the umpire. Donlin, ever the peacemaker, intervened to protect the umpire from a barrage of bottles thrown by overzealous fans.
Despite its national release in late 1915, “Right Off the Bat” failed to achieve commercial success. As a small production company, arrow Films lacked the resources to preserve its films, and the reels have vanished.
Canatta’s search for the lost film continues. He has contacted organizations like the Baseball Hall of Fame and plans to reach out to networks like ESPN and the Major League Baseball Network, hoping to uncover any trace of the film.
“It’s a fascinating piece of history,” Canatta says.”Finding ‘right Off the bat’ would be a remarkable discovery, not just for winsted but for baseball and film enthusiasts alike.”
Canatta’s passion for local history extends beyond “Right Off the Bat.” He actively shares his research and findings on his Facebook page, “Main Street Torrington,” captivating audiences with stories of the town’s cinematic past.
A Century-Old Home Run: Searching For “Right Off the Bat”
The flickering images of a silent film era captured not just the thrill of a burgeoning nation, but the raw passion of America’s pastime. In 1915, amidst the booming popularity of baseball, a sliver of film history emerged in the quaint town of Winsted, connecticut: “Right off the bat.” This unique production, featuring New York Giants star Mike Donlin, promised a captivating look into the world of baseball, but like a stolen base, it vanished into the mists of time, leaving behind only tantalizing whispers of its existence.
Today, the mystery of “Right Off the Bat” represents more then just a lost film; it’s a window into a bygone era, a testament to the enduring power of sport and storytelling. We certainly know the Arrow Film Company, a modestly ambitious group, captured the action over five reels, likely showcasing the prowess of Donlin and the energetic atmosphere surrounding the game.
Historian Ed Canatta, a resident of nearby Torrington, has kindled the flame of this cinematic mystery. His dedicated research unearthed the story, illuminating a compelling narrative of local excitement and forgotten artistry.
The question that hangs in the air is, where did “Right Off the Bat” disappear to? Did it succumb to the ravages of time, its reels decaying in an forgotten archive? Or was it lost in a series of unfortunate events, a casualty of fires, negligence, or simple neglect?
The answers, like a well-pitched curveball, remain elusive. Yet, the story itself offers a breathtaking glimpse into a period where baseball and cinema intertwine, sparking inventiveness and igniting a relentless pursuit to reclaim a piece of lost history.
the search for “Right Off the Bat” is a call to action for film enthusiasts, baseball aficionados, and history buffs alike. Each forgotten attic, neglected film vault, and tattered family album holds the potential to unveil a lost treasure. Perhaps, hidden amidst the dust and memories, a glimpse of Donlin at bat awaits, ready to be rediscovered and celebrated as a cinematic home run across the chasm of time.
