In this Hallmark Hall of Fame movie from the late 1970s, audiences are treated to the remarkable true story of a disabled woman who helped poor kids in her neighborhood stay out of trouble and enjoy a healthy activity. Jean Stapleton stars as the titular character, and Martin Balsam costars as her neighbor and friend. It all starts with Martin's grandson loving baseball. Jean plays catch with him and impresses him with her knowledge of the sport, and when she learns he and some other neighborhood kids would love to form a team but lack organization and a leader, she finds her true calling as a coach and mentor. She's warned by many to stay away from the troubled preteens, as they would double-cross her the minute she turned her back on them. "I have no intention of turning my back on them," she replies to a local cop. "Too many people have done that already."
Unexpectedly sweet and totally heartwarming, this tv movie is not to be missed if you like Disney movies about children or sports. Jean is very likable, and it's inspiring to see her give all of herself to the young boys when she herself is in pain and has felt like she lived a wasted life. I also love her rapport with Martin; they have the bickering affection of old married couples even though they just live down the hall from one another. Everything out of his mouth is funny, which helps to lighten the mood that we know she's had such a hard life. Find a copy of this touching Hallmark if you feel you're drifting; it'll put a new spring in your step.