Kill the Umpire (1950)

In the heart of the vibrant baseball scene of the 1950s, "Kill the Umpire" tells the story of Bill Johnson, played by the charismatic William Bendix. Once a revered baseball player, Bill finds himself floundering in the aftermath of his sports career, cycling through a series of unsuccessful jobs. His life consists of watching baseball games, his interest piqued by the umpire - the role he views as the "lowest a man can get." In a twist of fate, Bill's father-in-law, Jonah Evans, a retired umpire portrayed by Ray Collins, proposes an unexpected solution. He suggests that Bill leverages his passion for baseball and become an umpire. Despite his initial reluctance and attempts to sabotage his own progress with hilarious antics, the director of the umpire school, Frawley, persuades him to embrace this new path. Thus, the notorious "Two-Call" Johnson is born. Assigned to the Texas League, Bill excels until the championship playoffs, where a contentious call sparks a riot. The player at the heart of the dispute is knocked unconscious, unable to verify Bill's call. As tensions escalate into threats of mob violence against Bill, his family steps in. His wife Betty, portrayed by Una Merkel, and his daughters Lucy (Gloria Henry) and Susan (Connie Marshall), brave a series of nerve-wracking encounters to ensure Bill's safe arrival at the ballpark the next day. "Kill the Umpire" is a captivating journey through the personal trials and tribulations of a former baseball player turned umpire, offering a unique perspective on a beloved sport, punctuated by moments of comedy and high-stakes drama.

Kill the Umpire is a comedy movie featuring William Bendix.

Kill the Umpire is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Tubi TV.