The Bad News Bears is a 1976 film directed by Michael Ritchie. It's a sports comedy that tells the story of a youth baseball team under the guidance of an unconventional coach. 

Plot

The story revolves around Morris Buttermaker (played by Walter Matthau), an alcoholic and window washer who is hired to coach a youth baseball team called the "Bad News Bears." The team consists of a group of young misfits with little talent.

Morris is an unorthodox coach and initially appears to have little interest in improving the team. However, over time, he begins to invest in the growth of the kids and teaches them to play baseball more competently. He also recruits a talented pitcher named Amanda Whurlitzer (played by Tatum O'Neal) to enhance the team's performance.

The plot follows the season of the "Bad News Bears," depicting the challenges, rivalries, and personal experiences of the young players. The team often competes against the "Yankees," a highly competitive and well-organized opposing team.

Complete Cast:

• Walter Matthau as Morris Buttermaker
• Tatum O'Neal as Amanda Whurlitzer
• Chris Barnes as Tanner Boyle
• Vic Morrow as Roy Turner
• Joyce Van Patten as Cleveland
• Ben Piazza as Bob Whitewood
• Jackie Earle Haley as Kelly Leak
• Alfred Lutter as Ogilvie
• Quinn Smith as Timmy Lupus

Director: Michael Ritchie

Producer: Stanley R. Jaffe

Writer: Bill Lancaster

Music by: Jerry Fielding

Cinematographer: John A. Alonzo

Production Cost: Not publicly disclosed.

Box Office: Approximately $42.3 million at the box office.

Awards: The film received positive reviews and Tatum O'Neal received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Acting Debut in a Motion Picture.

Critics' Reception: The Bad News Bears is considered a classic of the sports comedy genre. The film was praised for its unfiltered portrayal of youth and for the performances, particularly that of Walter Matthau. It is known for its raw humor and for addressing themes of maturation and sportsmanship.

My opinion. In spite of the appreciation of critics and audiences, I consider it a woeful little film, with the sole exception of Matthau's acting. The whole film relies on him, but the story holds little water and fails only to raise an occasional smile.