‘A League of Their Own’ Cast Remembers Director Penny Marshall | TCMFF 2022

At the 2022 TCM Classic Film Festival, cast members Lori Petty, Megan Cavanagh, Ann Cusack, Anne Ramsay, Patti Pelton, and Jon Lovitz remember working with director Penny Marshall, how they knew it was a special movie while they were making it, and the on-set injuries they incurred playing baseball.
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[@kingoreo3642]

My grandmother was on the real team that inspired the movie. May she rest in peace.

[@stephenfermoyle4578]

I hope she told you all the great stories!!

[@lisag18]

excellent!!!!

[@madelinerene6805]

❤️❤️❤️

[@rhondabryant4055]

That’s wonderful!

[@SonjaDawn]

What was her name?

[@conkaiserdor]

I was at summer camp in upstate in NY during the summer of '92. We had an off campus night out to see a movie in town. When we were told by our group leader we'd be seeing a movie about girls baseball you could hear the groans from everybody on the bus. After "A League of Their Own" ended, we all got up and clapped and cheered to show our appreciation and enthusiasm for the film. We knew we just watched a really good movie we originally didn't want to see. We had never imagined the classic and timeless masterpiece it would become over the years. One of my all-time favorite films!

[@EdBrumley]

I played an extra in the movie and loved it. I was at Huntingburg and Evansville and can be seen briefly a few times throughout the film. It was great fun and a very memorable time of my life. Thank you all.

[@MichaeljWatanabe]

How cool!! :))

[@whatdidoursurveysay]

I think I remember seeing you. That's so cool.

[@smalls9852]

Penny Marshall was a legend. And this movie had such an incredible cast. ❤️

[@loriwishman1866]

Lori's voice is exactly the same. ❤️ Heartwarming.

[@descendantoffools9767]

Penny Marshall directed two of my favorite movies; A League Of Their Own and Big.

[@ninademci1500]

@descendantoffools9767, I love both movies and can watch them again and again and again……….

[@RoyalMasterpiece]

Penny Marshall and Garry Marshall were amazing Directors.

[@vigal79]

One of the best movie lines of all time. Are you crying? No, are you crying? No, there’s no crying in baseball. Another quote from John in the beginning well, I’m off going to go home and give the wife a little pickle tickle. Love that

[@Keegan7156]

~1978 I worked in a manufacturing plant in rural Ohio with one of the real players this movie is based upon. I was only ~20 and very passionate about playing softball during the summers. During the day I would get to listen to "Dot" tell her stories about her time in the league and how they all nursed their 'strawberries' and raised hell in whatever way they could in the 40s. She stuck around the leagues after the war ended, never married, and lived constantly feeling fortunate that she got to live through that period of history in the way she did. When this movie came out I couldn't wait to see it. I still watch it atleast once a year. These women did a phenomenal job of making the film.

[@verawarren2893]

I didn't think I could love that movie more than I already do, but wow! After that conversation, I'm going to watch it again!

[@L2thaR]

And we just did... 😉😁

[@jackm4457]

"League of Their Own" is a very-rewatchable movie because it is a perfect balance of comedy and sentimentality. It also has a deeper meaning but without being too preachy. Penny Marshall's masterpiece.

[@gothgirl317]

I'm in the hospital currently and it's an on demand movie here. My mom and I used to watch it when I was little and it's a comfort now while I'm here. My husband and I also say Lay off the high ones and I like the high ones before we go to bed or to say goodbye ill watch it to go to sleep here and he watches it on our tablet.

[@nataliestaheli51602]

I still LOVE 'A League of Their Own'!! Such a fun movie, and it's so fun to hear from the actors and actresses on how it was while making the movie! Such great fun!!

[@QHMCQ]

The best baseball film ever and it deserved multiple Oscar nominations, none moreso than Ms. Petty's performance. Thank you for posting this!

[@jackm4457]

Agreed. Geena Davis was transcendent in the perfect role for her. Not only do I consider it one of the best performances ever by an actress. But also the #1 portrayal by any actor as an athlete.

[@JasonSmith-vj1de]

This Used To Be My Playground is a great song.

[@NathanFelker-bi7wp]

Madonna should have been nominated for song. Lori Petty should have been nominated for Best Supporting Actress. Best director. Best screenplay, Best Editing.

[@kathykb8123]

That was awesome. "League" is one of my all time favorite movies.

[@boointhelotus5332]

Very few comedies set in historical periods can be watched again & again, without losing any of their sense of fun. This is one of them. So glad TCM put this group together. I just wish they’d put the names of the characters next to the actresses’ names instead of just “actress.” And why oh why did they not put the camera on the one real surviving ball player who Ben asked to stand up and be recognized? Truly a national treasure.

[@TheBibitte]

I loved this so much. A League of Their Own is one of the best movies ever made.

[@davidleavitt835]

Loved Megan Cavanaugh in Robin Hood:Men In Tights as well.

[@dharmagrl]

Wow Ann Cusack sounds just like Joan!!

[@azerethroth5761]

These are the real ones, Thank you to the actors who came out here! Penny, You are Beloved by all! 💖

[@jeffk.9075]

Jon Lovitz remembering a speech word for word he never even filmed 30 years later. The man is a boss.

[@BostonHistoryStore]

He is awesome! Old school and so funny and talented.

[@reddkl]

Mary Pratt played for years until it closed up. She then went to coaching in Quincy MA. I met many of the real players and got their autographed baseball cards. It was a thrill. Love the movie and have seen it multiple times.

[@MTknitter22]

What very delightful actresses. Thank you TCM! This was a truly sweet, true, magical movie.

[@mlanders5722]

I was living in CA in 1992 when this movie was released. I remember our entire family, father, me, daughter and son went to a movie theater in Agoura Hills or Calabasas. Can't remember which! It was a great movie!

[@ricov1039]

Facts! Same here, went with my family to see it in Agoura Hills. My most heartfelt memory going to the movies with my family

[@maddyhayes617]

My hometown is about 30 minutes from the ⚾️ Hall of Fame. On another note, I had the pleasure of meeting and talking with the late, great Robert Osborne. We were at the Lucille Ball Birthday Celebration weekend in Jamestown, NY. What a wonderful, down to earth, personable, respectful nice man. We had a great conversation at the meet and greet. I am so thankful to have met him and so saddened to read of his passing a few years later. Always enjoyed TCM. 👍🙂🙏

[@vickilanger1228]

LOVED THE FILM! SO WONDERFUL💗💗YOU'RE HONORING PENNY MARSHALL💗LOVED HER WORK! BEHIND AND INFRONT OF THE CAMERA!💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗

[@JosephSmith-zl4ey]

This discussion was such a highlight of the Festival! Made watching the film at the Chinese Theatre so memorable and enjoyable. A delight. Hope Penny Marshall was looking down to take in all the love.

[@rebeccasciutto2722]

I have a stuffed monkey and a bracelet from one of the Rockford Peach's. I got them from her estate auction in Freeport, IL. I lived there as well. I treasure these items.

[@denim-th2dx]

I think it would've been great if they had a picture of them in the movie, right behind them. (Lifesize)

[@kimfrank2417]

That’s a great idea

[@horaciocapanelli-soto4710]

This is one of the greatest movies of American film

[@christopherfranklin9838]

The actress who played Betty "Spaghetti" Horn is Penny Marshall's Daughter

[@sharonnorthern1525]

One of these years, I WILL be at the TCM Film Festival!

[@stephenfermoyle4578]

WOW we just watched it again two nights ago!! LOVE LOVE LOVE FOREVER

[@Allison_White]

This was great. I wish it was longer!

[@sandravermes4219]

"There's no crying in baseball" written by Babaloo Mandel.

[@MsDisneylandlover]

i also felt sorry marla it was sad when she left her father. and ppl was hating her. then she got marry was a good part with Nelson. and i loved the guy who played her father. and that gesture he to has she was going away.

[@starriderkittykat9064]

We need a Tank Girl 2!!

[@kathyspanner3755]

A great movie it showed women can play baseball just as good as men

[@Atm0111]

This is amazing!!! ⚾🧢🙏🙌

[@katrinaamaro]

I love this. I only wish they had had a camera on the audience. but Thank You!

[@philippapay4352]

This was fun and informative. Don't know how they understood a word Penny said to them.

[@RobinPM86]

"Marla" did a spot-on Penny Marshall impression! Too funny.

[@hectorlopez1069]

Tom hanks really knailed it, as the manager of a girl's baseball team.

[@lisag18]

no k in nailed but he absolutely did

[@hectorlopez1069]

There's no crying in baseball.

[@michaelcanney7218]

Ben does a great job letting them free flow. Excellent job my friend

[@johnathanwalker8395]

Had tabbed out while thee intro played and thought for a second I was on an old TYT video. Nice to hear a familiar voice.

[@debbiemiller4787]

The movie was great I loved it

[@matthewbenge7112]

Gold cast, gold movie.

[@MsDisneylandlover]

i loved that diasy shirts

[@ninademci1500]

I love “A League of Their Own” more than “Field of Dreams”.

[@January.]

Jon is so underrated funny 🤣

[@happycat3399]

“The train moves, not the station” 😂😂😂😂

[@pastoreddiew2355]

One of the best …

[@MsDisneylandlover]

i have this on dvd

[@MsDisneylandlover]

that is kitt lol. she is such a rocker lol omg..

[@jc6594]

Great stories

[@valentinahernandez7291]

It's crazy that Anne Ramsey looks so much like Joan Cusack (to me), while Anne Cusack (Joan's sister) looks nothing like her.

[@RailPreserver2K]

Nice to see mrs patty is doing alright :)

[@mauriciovalencia3374]

She is so good in Orange is the new black

[@davidcottone2700]

I can see how busy tom hanks and Madonna are busy stars but Geena Davis I thought she be there

[@alexandrebarr4394]

Any idea why Rosie O'Donnell wasn't even mentioned?

[@Julierue]

💖💖💖💖💖💖💖

[@mlvc82]

QUEEN MADONNA was PHENOMENAL in this movie!

[@trevorbayers2175]

Said no one ever

[@aimser1]

Yes she was!

[@jamesr2164]

Madonna was fantastic in this movie.

[@RoaringTidesOnline]

What did they give the chapterone tomake her throw up in the scene so they can sneak out to go to that bar?

[@Khaleesi_Jack]

They said they poisoned her dinner.

[@Seesah3kids]

I need help finding a movie I can’t remember the name of. All I remember is it’s about three sisters and one of them has a cat. They slip some poison into some wine or some alcoholic beverage, have second thoughts and swap the bottles and the cat ends up being poisoned. I think Margaret Rutherford stars in it but not sure. Anyone know what the name of the movie is? Thanks

[@lisag18]

but Stillwell. I'm curious what his experience was

[@msrainbowbrite]

I'm surprised Anne wasn't encouraged to change her name. We already have a Anne Ramsey

[@lonniewheeler8609]

So... they did a league of their own reunion without Geena Davis, Tom Hanks, Rosie O'Donnell and Madonna, wtf.

[@Otokichi786]

I get the feeling that Hollyweird doesn't think very much of Turner Classic Movies. (Just like KZbin that just HATES History.)

[@EricaGamet]

I'm going to assume they are all pretty busy and scheduling wasn't easy.

[@vickster4474]

Permanently unavailable

[@wdh47211]

I notice they didn't even mention Rosie O'Donnell at all......Hmmmmm!

[@nicolemonrue]

Batter up, hear that call The time has come, for one and all To plaaaaaaaaaay baaaaaaalllllllll

[@mattpierard]

So the fat kid was actually hit by the ball, wow. Thought it was CGI or a nerfball. Lori Petty unrecognizable here. Ramsay, Cusack, and Cavanaugh haven't aged much. Too bad they couldn't get Geena, Rosie, and Tea Leoni to show up. Can't figure out who Pelton was in the picture. Would have helped if TCM had put up pix of these actresses as they looked in the movie.

[@MsDisneylandlover]

there's no crying in baseball lol

[@ninademci1500]

Megan Cavanaugh had a guest appearance in “Friends” as ‘the woman from Animal Control’ who shot ‘Phoebe’ in her ass with tranquilizer dart, during season 1, episode 19, “The One Where the Monkey Gets Away”.

[@lauramckenzie6042]

Why wasn't Rosie O'Donnell, Gina Davis and Madonna not there on stage? They were part of that movie, if not had bigger parts than those people. How come they were excluded from those interview?

[@trevorbayers2175]

Well, Madonna thought she was too good to participate. Because thats the kind of person she is.

[@scottw6704]

Because this was about how it changed the lives of the people who had the smaller roles, and of course Penny, and not about the Big Stars that were in the movie. If those three or Tom Hanks had been there, it would have pulled all the attention away from this whole event. I can easily see why they either weren't invited, or didn't bother. It wasn't about them.

[@EastSide-qc5oy]

@@trevorbayers2175 It was more than likely about scheduling.

[@jamesr2164]

​@@trevorbayers2175 here you are again trashing Madonna which is so unwarranted.

[@thegrievancegordieshow9882]

🥩 + 🚀 = 🌭 ♾

[@Rich-kp1eu]

Ann Cusack is still smoking hot.

[@___Will__Ferrell]

Everyone was there........ except the biggest stars of the movie that made the movie a hit. LOL. Missing Madonna, Rosie O'Donnell, Tom Hanks and Geena Davis. I doubt this lineup could even win a pre season game with those big stars missing.

[@January.]

Geena?

[@deependz3231]

This was too short, don't get what the time constraints were all about?

[@EricaGamet]

It was just the little guest panel before they screened the movie... it's at the film fest and on a schedule. Maybe they started late, too.

[@MsDisneylandlover]

i wish the main star was there..

[@Otokichi786]

Turner Classic Movies isn't a Hipster-approved venue. (Too many Old, black-and-white movies, don't ya know?)

[@BORISSBORISSBORISS]

#madonna #rosie #ginadavis

[@lisabrown6280]

Wish Madonna had been there.

[@Otokichi786]

Maybe she got "Prince syndrome."

[@jamesr2164]

She was great in this movie.

[@timothyclaffey9138]

One of the really odd things about that movie was that Janet Jones, an actor and wife of Wayne Gretzky was also a cast member and far and away the best athlete who really didn't need a stunt double of which there was an army. But for some reason Penny Marshall didn't like her and relegated her to a small non speaking role on the Racine Belles.

[@abairstow6682]

According to Penny's autobiography, Wayne Gretzky's wife Jennifer Jones kept disappearing during shooting visit her husband. Which would make sense as to why she would be regulated to a non-speaking role, this way she was still in the movie but if she disappeared it wouldn't effect shooting

[@timothyclaffey9138]

@@abairstow6682 I don't think Penny was truthful about this. JANET not "Jennifer" really wanted this part. Wayne had been playing in the Canada Cup and got injured so he was the one who was doing the "visiting" on location. It is highly doubtful that any actor would just go AWOL during filming. It was widely known on set that Penny just didn't like Janet who was quite upset by the 'demotion'.

[@MsDisneylandlover]

lil angel boy lol your gonna win lol

[@Otokichi786]

The call me "Stilwell Angel!"

[@MsDisneylandlover]

that scout he was too funny smh.

[@carsonpeterson758]

When can Ben interview Michael bay or Peter Jackson what are his thoughts on those directors

[@mercuryfever392]

Who was the big Ragu?

[@BostonHistoryStore]

Eddie Mekka -- that was his nickname on Laverne and Shirley.

[@christhornycroft3686]

They don't make chick flicks like this anymore. Movies that even grouchy guys like me have to admit are amazing. The 90s had this, My Girl and many other great female-centric films. Today's women and girls have Mamma Mia, 50 Shades, Twilight and Frozen. I'm sorry, Ladies. I don't know what to tell you. If it helps, a lot of films aimed at us guys today are awful too, full of CGI, no plot and guys with no personality like Channing Tatum and Robert Pattinson who look like they need to stop taking their daily SSRIs, steroids and Ritalin.

[@andreadeamon6419]

The only movies i have seen in the past 10 years of release is Ghostbusters afterlife and ambulance. The rest aren't with it

[@raynemichelle2996]

No Madonna, Rosie, Geena, or Tom

[@josephr.6081]

Jeez john. Ladies, we’re not all asses.

[@ninademci1500]

Lori Petty should have no shame in her game being a Tom Boy. I, too, grew up in the 1970s, was a Tom Boy, and am not afraid to admit it.

[@realgooddoty9395]

Lori in the Balenciaga!!!

[@NathanFelker-bi7wp]

I love Lori Petty! Very underrated actress.

[@julielucia3930]

Too bad the whole team wasn’t their!!

[@zmznzbzvzmznzb]

Will you shut up?! I never knew!

[@RjBenjamin353]

And of course Madonna didn’t show

[@jamesr2164]

Neither was Geena, Tom, or Rosie.

[@TrevorPalmatiershow]

Lovitz and Petty are bizarre.

[@PeaceFan1]

Lori Petty looks AWFUL!! WHAT Happened???

[@Quixoticscope]

One of the least appreciated directors, Penny Marshall R.I.P.!

[@zibbyzubb]

too bad they could not get Tom Hanks, Geena Davis, Rosie O'Donnell or Madonna. Lori Petty has to be one of the worst actresses ever. She over acted the entire movie.

[@Garsons-oq4lh]

It is too bad but then reunions are always missing someone.

[@kimfrank2417]

Agree

[@zibbyzubb]

@@Lizwindsor Not about Lori Petty. She was a terrible actress.

[@zibbyzubb]

@@Lizwindsor Why are you wasting your time worrying about my opinion? So many better things for you to do. You should try it.

[@zibbyzubb]

@@Lizwindsor read it again. S-L-O-W-L-Y. You will understand what I said to you. You can do it. I know you can.

[@shelley6477]

wow, Lori Petty is annoying. And I guess multiple big brand clothing companies are paying her salary these days?? What is that about?? I will always love this movie and I do lovingly remember the rainy summer day I went to see it in Seattle, and I do want to watch it again now, but LP and her obvious desperate need for attention has lessened the legacy for me. Hopefully the memory of watching this will eventually fade. Everyone else on the panel was lovely.

[@user-gv6kp6pu1t]

Heres a fun fact, The extraordinary women who Played Betty Spaghetti aka Tracy Reiner is the daughter of Penny Marshell and Rob Reiner.